Lucas Paqueta has the potential to become a ‘world star’ amid interest from Premier League moneybags Newcastle United, Lyon team-mate Jerome Boateng tells the Ligue 1 website.
In September, Paqueta found himself at the centre of a storm. One that cast a dark cloud over French football.
After executing a picture-perfect rainbow flick over the head of a baffled Troyes defender, referee Stephanie Frappart responded by reaching into her pocket and showing the Lyon playmaker a yellow card.
He couldn’t believe it. Neither could a furious Neymar. Understandably so.
Surely, Paqueta deserved credit rather than condemnation after pulling off one of the most gorgeous pieces of skill you will see on a football pitch.
It’s not as if he was merely show-boating either. When executed as brilliantly as this, rainbow flicks can be as effective as a nutmeg or a simple burst of acceleration for a player looking to leave a nearby defender choking on his dust.
That whole sorry saga highlighted two things; that French football needs to have a good, long look in the mirror and that Paqueta, when the confidence is flowing, is the sort of footballer you’d pay a pretty penny to see.
Jogo Bonito indeed.
Could Newcastle return for Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta?
“Since (I signed) here, I’m really impressed,” former Bayern Munich and Germany defender Boateng says of his Brazil international team-mate.
“He brings so much to our team. He runs a lot, his skills of course, his technique, his (ability to) create chances, his passing, his (determination to) fight for the ball. He helps us a lot.
“And I think he has the potential to be really a world star in football.”
According to Le10 Sport, a Newcastle side bankrolled by Saudi Arabian billionaires submitted a £34 million bid for Paqueta last week.
What’s more, the former AC Milan youngster was offered a £180,000-a-week contract that would make him the best-paid player in the club’s history.
But, in claims backed up by FootMercato, both Lyon and Paqueta have given Newcastle’s offer the cold shoulder.
A shame. Because the Premier League’s loss is Ligue 1’s gain.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
