Transfer blow for Leeds United's relegation rivals as 'best player' wants £35m exit
Leeds United will have a keen eye on who their Premier League relegation rivals buy and sell during the January transfer window.
One of Leeds United’s Premier League relegation rivals face a difficult January transfer decision amid reports a key player wants out.
West Ham United are facing a make-or-break mid-season window, with a 10-game winless run in the Premier League leaving them in 18th place. The Hammers recently lost back-to-back games against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, the latter of which are now seven points clear while Leeds are a further point ahead in 16th.
The Whites went seven games unbeaten before losing 4-3 at Newcastle United last week, a run which has seen them open up a significant gap on their rivals. And on current form, that cushion looks more likely to increase than decrease.
In a desperate attempt to stave off relegation, London Stadium chiefs have already splashed a combined £45million on forward pair Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos. But rather than continuing to strengthen, they now have a decision to make on the future of Lucas Paqueta who reportedly wants to leave.
Multiple reports on Monday claimed Paqueta was keen to leave England altogether, with a return to Brazilian outfit Flamengo his desired January move. The attacking midfielder is believed to have been deeply affected by an FA betting investigation which almost ended his career before he was eventually cleared after two years.
Sky Sports claim West Ham are reluctant to sell their ‘best player’ at a point when they are fighting to survive in the Premier League. They add that Paqueta missed Sunday’s FA Cup win over QPR due to injury but there have been suggestions elsewhere he was fit to feature.
The Guardian claim Paqueta actually asked to be left out of the Hammers squad amid uncertainty over his future, despite being fit. Again, the national newspaper reports on West Ham’s desire to keep someone they deem a ‘key asset in their fight against relegation’.
West Ham facing Lucas Paqueta transfer dilemma after Fabrizio Romano update
Flamengo are reportedly willing to pay €40m (£34.7m) for Paqueta, with the transfer window in Brazil open until March. Both the Guardian and Sky Sports state the attacking midfielder will not be a West Ham player next season, but uncertainty over his immediate future is unlikely to ease relegation concerns.
Fabrizio Romano reports Paqueta has already reached an agreement with Flamengo over his return and is pushing to make the deal happen. The Brazilian club are believed to be in talks with West Ham.
The Guardian claim West Ham are disappointed with Paqueta’s determination to leave given they supported him during that two-year FA investigation. But while the 28-year-old arguably has more natural talent than any teammate, he’s been out of form for several months.
Paqueta’s uncertain future will do little to help bring stability at West Ham, who have already loaned striker Nicklas Fullkrug to AC Milan while Callum Wilson is expected to terminate his contract this month. The Hammers have also sold Luis Guilherme to Sporting CP.
Cashing in on Paqueta would provide more money to be invested this month but whether West Ham can spend it wisely is a separate matter. London Stadium chiefs are shopping in a notoriously difficult market and their track record of transfer success is mixed to say the least.