It has been noted that the Brazilian media are becoming increasingly desperate in their reporting of the Lucas Paquetá saga over the past few days.
The general consensus from across the Atlantic appears to be that nasty West Ham are keeping their countryman against his will. While that may not be too far from the truth, it has led not only to a #FreePaqueta campaign, but also to some truly ludicrous transfer links regarding his supposed replacement.
Yesterday, Brazilian outlets were full of reports claiming that West Ham had already identified a number of key targets to replace Paquetá. Clearly, whoever is writing this stuff has little or no understanding of how the Hammers actually operate in the transfer market, if they believe we are anywhere near that organised.
Brazilian Hysteria Meets West Ham Reality
The truth of the matter is that until this morning, Hammers bosses were still attempting to persuade Paquetá to stay at the London Stadium, or at the very least negotiate a deal that would see him return on loan.
Therefore, when I read that Brazilian media were now suggesting West Ham had identified Mateo Kovačić of Manchester City as Paquetá’s replacement — and had even opened talks — it was difficult to take seriously.
Kovačić has made just one appearance for City this season and is certainly surplus to requirements at the Etihad. Unfortunately for West Ham, the creative midfielder is also listed as injured until mid-February, making any potential move a complete non-starter.
As a player, I really like him, but with so many desperate reports emerging from Brazil right now, it is increasingly hard to take any of this speculation seriously.
Why do we want Kovacic a player who is out injured and youth not on his side.
I just can not think it is Nuno grasping at these players, it seems we are just desperate. I would rather not have them
The one player I really thought our owners were going to get was Cresswell, yet again all talk
Won’t pay good money for a young,descent player
Everything is at a standstill as far as signing some defenders, what we really need
Let’s stop looking at strikers and midfield
I’m not sure we do Sue, as I said, I’d take the reporting from Brazil with a pinch of salt.
Just two problems .
West Ham then need to get to 29 points and hope Palace don’t get another point all season !
On a different subject it is interesting that Oliver Glasner has decided to announce he is leaving Crystal Palace at the end of the season. For us to survive we need a substantial upturn in form and help elsewhere like a team dropping like a stone or Man City getting their just desserts. Remember how we switched off when it was obvious Moyes was not going to sign a new contract? We slumped from a very healthy 6th to a just about hanging on to respectability 9th. Palace only have 28 points currently so you never know. It is of course the substantial upturn in form which may prove the hardest part of my fantasy 😊⚒️⚒️
I tell you what Morty, you should mark this post and if it turns out to be right we’ll revisit it. Fair shout mate
Ha ha, if it came true we might both wish we’d had a bet on it Gonzo. 😊⚒️⚒️