Paqueta replacement in pipeline as Hammers eye up options

Lucas Paquetá’s time in claret and blue appears to be at and end – whatever the FA Inquiry outcome, due ‘shortly’. We can only assume that the verdict will be delivered during the summer transfer window – sometime between now and September 2nd.  If exonerated – as seems increasingly possible – then West Ham will apparently have no shortage of suitors.

With the rumours that Paquetá is pushing for a move back to boyhood club Flamengo now discounted, the market place will be big and interest still strong. The price might not be quite at the £80 million level of pre-FA allegations but still enough for West Ham to bank a fair sum: Recent activity suggests the Irons are already planning for life post – Paqueta with reported interest in several who could take the number 10 playmaker role next season. First of the reported ‘watchlist’  of note is Manchester City’s talented young midfielder James McAtee, part of the u21 European Championship-winning England side.

Interest will be widespread and something approaching 20 clubs have their hats in the ring so – however much he’d fit into Graham Potter’s plans, it seems he’ll have far higher expectations than lowly West Ham.

Links with Mario Stroekyens linger, with West Ham’s initial bid being waved away. A deal is certainly feasible if the Irons don’t let someone else steam in whilst they deliberate. The Anderlecht youngster would be a perfect playmaker and is a tantalising €10m – about seven million pounds– above the reported Hammers current offer.

Bournemouth’s  Hamed Junior Traore is seen as another who could replace Paquetá, and after a season-long successful loan at AJ Auxerre would be a West Ham – friendly €20 million signing and another attacking midfielder with flair.

Likely the Hammers are dragging their feet until the outcome of Paquetá’s hearing is known – as they’ll either have a £30 million-plus budget to replace their magnifico – or zero, depending on the outcome. Which is a sobering thought.

Lucas Paquetá denies all of the allegations made against him.