West Ham transfer news: The London club are in the final stages of completing the signing of midfielder Lucas Paqueta from Lyon.
Paqueta has established himself as among the most talented midfielders in Europe since joining Lyon from AC Milan in 2020. He has played 67 league games for the French club so far, scoring 18 goals.
The 24-year-old midfielder won the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month accolade in October 2021 and was also part of the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year last term.
Paqueta is a key member of Brazil’s national team as well. He has represented his nation 33 times since making his debut in 2018.
West Ham United: Lucas Paqueta close to completing his move to the Hammers
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Lucas Paqueta is expected to fly to England today to undergo medicals prior to completing his move to West Ham United.
Lyon have accepted an offer in the region of £51 million to sell the Brazil international. Paqueta is set to become the Hammers’ eighth signing of the transfer window after Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Maxwel Cornet, Emerson, Thilo Kehrer, Flynn Downes and Alphonse Areola.
David Moyes is expected to bring in more fresh faces to his squad before the transfer deadline on August 31.
What will Lucas Paqueta bring to London Stadium?
Valued at £31.50 by TransferMarkt, Paqueta is a versatile footballer who is comfortable playing in various positions across midfield and attack. His strongest attributes are his tackling and dribbling skills, along with his ability to unlock the opposition’s defense with his through balls.
He played 35 league games last term, registering nine goals and six assists. According to WhoScored, 2.7 shots, 1.6 key passes, and 1.8 dribbles per 90 during the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season.
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The Brazilian also likes to help his teammates out in defense, averaging 1.1 tackles and 0.8 clearances in the league last term.
What’s next?
Despite spending lavishly in the transfer market, West Ham United have endured a disappointing start to the campaign. They have lost all of their opening three league games. The Hammers will look to register their first league victory of the season when they play Aston Villa on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Lyon is currently fifth in the Ligue 1 table with six points from two games. They will next go up against Reims and Angers respectively in the league.
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