Lucas Paqueta Bio

Lucas Paqueta is a Brazilian central midfielder signed by West Ham manager David Moyes at the beginning of the 2022/23 season.

Paquetá exit need not be all doom and gloom for West Ham

Lucas Paquetá’s FA hearing dragging into the summer window may have far-reaching fallout. From Gonzo’s earlier article it is clear that a Manchester City move is still very much on. Whilst the reported transfer fee sum may not be as great as before the FA allegations, Paquetá still seeks his City move and the likelihood […]

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Paquetá’s West Ham Revival in Transfer Kitty Boost

West Ham manager Graham Potter may be coming under scrutiny due to the Hammers’ lowly league position, but one area where he has undeniably excelled is in resurrecting the form of Lucas Paquetá. It’s fair to say the Brazilian playmaker struggled for form during David Moyes’ final six months at the club and throughout Julen […]

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Lucas Paqueta-Pep Guardiola

West ham Braced For ‘Decent’ Man City Bid

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá is highly likely to join Manchester City this summer — if he is acquitted of the FA’s betting charges. As Claret & Hugh first reported back in February, the Brazilian’s move to Pep Guardiola’s side is very much back on, with growing confidence that he will be cleared of any […]

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Lucas Paqueta will need West Ham's best legal advice

Paqueta hearing adjourned until June | You’ll not believe the reason

A hugely serious FA hearing in session. High stakes with Lucas Paquetá facing a lifetime ban from the sport if found guilty of the six charges – four of spot fixing and two of obstructing the FA enquiry. A year and a half of preparation by the FA during which Paqueta has lost his dream […]

Lucas Paqueta

West Ham and Paqueta to Suffer More as FA Begin to Look Desperate

So it’s official — what Claret & Hugh told you yesterday has now been confirmed by the mainstream media: Lucas Paquetá’s FA hearing has been postponed until the end of the season. The good news is that West Ham’s Brazilian playmaker will be available for the remainder of the campaign, though in truth, that was […]

West Ham signed Paqueta for £50m from French side Lyon, but the transfer was completed very late in the transfer window due to the managers failed attempts to sign Jesse Lingard from Manchester United. The transfer fee eclipsed The Hammers previous transfer record of £42m for striker Sebastien Haller.

Paquetá initially struggled to settle into the West Ham team, although it is probably fair to say the whole club was probably suffering a hangover from reaching the semi finals of the Europa League the previous season.

Lucas Paqueta

It wasn’t until November at the Qatar World Cup that West Ham fans were truly able to see the very best of Lucas Paqueta, who was outstanding for Brazil. Once he returned, the teams form improved and the player started to display some of his obvious technical ability.

Towards the end of the 2022/23 season, Paqueta had started to form an excellent partnership with then captain Declan Rice. West Ham’s Premier League and Europa Conference League form began to improve and Paquetá was instrumental.

Lucas Paqueta’s full name is Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima, he was born in 1997 and began his career at Brazilian club Flamengo.

Paqueta build up quite a reputation in South America which alerted a host of big European clubs. In January 2019 he was sold to AC Milan for a reported €35m, but he struggled to replicate his Flamengo form despite his obvious talent.

Just 18 months later Paqueta was sold to Lyon for €20 million on a five-year contract, where he regained his form and earned a big money move to West Ham.

Lucas Paquetá

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima, known professionally as Lucas Paquetá, was born on August 27, 1997, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in the vibrant city of Rio, Paquetá’s football talents were evident from a young age. He joined the youth ranks of Flamengo at the age of 10, where he quickly rose through the levels due to his technical skills and understanding of the game.

Flamengo Career

Paquetá made his professional debut for Flamengo in March 2016, during a Primeira Liga match against Confiança. His breakout season came in 2018, where he played a crucial role in Flamengo’s campaign in the Brazilian Serie A and the Copa Libertadores. His performances as an attacking midfielder, characterized by his creativity, agility, and goal-scoring ability, caught the attention of top European clubs. During his time at Flamengo, Paquetá scored 13 goals in 65 appearances, significantly contributing to the team’s successes.

Move to Europe

In January 2019, Paquetá transferred to AC Milan in a deal worth €35 million, marking the start of his European career. At Milan, he was seen as a potential key playmaker, wearing the iconic number 39 jersey. His time in Italy had highs and lows; he showed flashes of brilliance with his technical dribbling and vision but struggled with consistency in Serie A’s tactical environment.

Lyon and Development

In September 2020, Paquetá moved to Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1, where he found a more consistent form. His ability to adapt and influence games in the midfield was more pronounced in France, where he became known for his work rate, offensive capabilities, and versatility in playing multiple midfield roles. At Lyon, he enhanced his reputation as a dynamic midfielder, contributing both goals and assists.

Arrival at West Ham United

In August 2022, Lucas Paquetá signed with West Ham United, bringing his talents to the Premier League. His arrival was seen as a significant acquisition for the Hammers, expected to add creativity and skill to their midfield setup. Paquetá’s performances have been marked by his characteristic flair, technical skill, and ability to adapt to the physicality of English football.

International Career

Paquetá has been a regular for the Brazil national team since his debut in 2018. He played in the 2019 Copa América, where Brazil won the title, and has been pivotal in various international fixtures, contributing with key goals and assists. His style fits well with Brazil’s rich tradition of skillful, attacking football.

Playing Style

Lucas Paquetá is known for his technical ability, particularly his dribbling, passing, and knack for scoring goals from midfield. His flair and creativity make him a valuable asset in attacking transitions, while his work ethic allows him to contribute defensively as well.

Personal Life

Off the field, Paquetá is known for his joyful personality and deep family ties. He is married and has children, and he often shares moments from his personal life with fans on social media, reflecting his grounded and family-oriented nature.

Conclusion

Lucas Paquetá continues to be a significant figure in football, known for his versatile midfield play and the samba style that he brings to Europe. As he matures in the Premier League with West Ham, his impact on and off the pitch is expected to grow, marking him as one of the key Brazilian talents in the modern game.