Paqueta AWOL Claims as Flamengo Look to Force West Ham Transfer

Late last night, reports began circulating that Lucas Paquetá had not turned up for training at West Ham United on either Monday or Tuesday. The player is reported as having arrived at Rush Green this morning although uncertainty has arisen over his reported lack of attendance.

It followed three days of speculation over the player’s future, with a €35m bid from Flamengo rejected by the Hammers. Claret & Hugh were told by a top West Ham source, “He’s trying to force his way out,” when asked if the stories relating to Paquetá were true.

Earlier today, ExWHUEmployee added weight to the suggestion that the Brazilian had gone AWOL, saying: “He hasn’t turned up for training for the last two days.” However, Ex then went on to explain that none of the squad had attended the club’s Rush Green training facilities, having been given two days off following the FA Cup win against Queens Park Rangers.

Training Day Confusion at Rush Green

That said, some players were requested to attend Rush Green to work on individual programmes, and Paquetá is understood to be one of those players. When we asked a source close to the player whether there was any problem, they said “Nonsense, Lucas hasn’t refused to train”. It’s all a bit ‘he said she said’ at this point but the 28 year old is understood to have reported for duty today and there remains a hope that he will play against Tottenham.

As Claret & Hugh wrote on Monday, West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo considers Paquetá to be his best player and is reluctant to sanction his sale. There appears to be a clear intention from the manager to persuade him to remain at the club.

What is equally clear is that more than a few noses have been put out of joint at West Ham, and the timing of the Paquetá–Flamengo transfer saga has not been appreciated by many at the club.