A delighted Barry Silkman (third left) announces his part in the Hammers historic deal on his Facebook page.
Exclusive by Hughie Southon
Top agent Barry Silkman is the man responsible for finally bringing Lucas Paqueta to West Ham.
And he has every right to be proud of himself declaring on his Facebook page that, with backing from David Sullivan, he has sealed the biggest deal in the history of West Ham .
Silkman spoke exclusively to ClaretandHugh immediately after completing the deal claiming that after over 40 years in the game this was also the biggest deal he has ever done.
He said:” I’ve been a player, coach and agent and go back to the days of Roberto Carlos but this was by far the most intense set of negotiations in which I have ever been involved.
Initially Lyon wanted a fee, which would have only been within the budgets of the top four club, but we have got it down to West Ham levels although it is of course their biggest ever signing!
Along the way between 100 to 150 e mails the same number of phone calls and around 100 texts were involved but we have done it and everybody at the club, along with myself of course, is absolutely delighted.”
Barry has agreed to become the latest big name to join CandH as a blogger
This is a fantastic signing! I do hope it doesn’t mean benhrama is gone by the end of the week. Just as he looks the business. That would take the shine off somewhat.
We will need both of them tbh this season. What a front 4 combination we can put out now!
Barry Silkman blogging here ?
That should be very interesting as well
Great player , fantastic signing . Credit to the Board , DM , silkman . Real ambition. Shown I’m delighted . COYI
Totally agree. This is huge, wow I can’t believe he is a hammer now!
Got no time for the money men but hats off to Moysie for recognising the need for a top quality creative player in midfield that can also defend. Parquetta gives us so many options. He is an upgrade on Souchek, Fornals, Benrahma and Lanzini and I think he could play any of their positions. Looking forward to seeing him play.
Yes well done Barry, the Board and David Moyes. Really great work thank you
By the way, we should give a big shout out to Hughie who maintained through all of the adverse speculation yesterday that Paqueta had signed for us – cheers mate.
Many thanks mate. Appreciated