West Ham superstar Lucas Paqueta has named Bruno Guimaraes as a reason why the Brazilian international opted to move to the Premier League this summer from Olympique Lyonnais.
Speaking to the Times, the former AC Milan maestro revealed that discussions with the Newcastle United star helped Paqueta decide on a move to West Ham, with Guimaraes making the move to England earlier in the year in a reported £40m move in January.
The pair both played together at Lyon and were key behind the French club’s success in the past two seasons, and Guimaraes’ move to England with Newcastle and subsequent success seemingly inspired Paqueta to also make the move to the Premier League with West Ham.
The Brazilian was signed for a club-record fee by the Irons despite interest all summer from some of Europe’s biggest sides, and many West Ham fans and pundits are hoping for Paqueta to have a similar impact Guimaraes had on Newcastle last season.
The midfielder joined the Toon and elevated Eddie Howe’s side to incredible levels with his midfield quality, and Paqueta has admitted that Guimaraes played a big role in his move from Lyon to the Premier League, where the new West Ham sensation will hope to be a huge hit in east London.
Paqueta said on Guimaraes: “Bruno told me the Premier League is a great competition and was very complimentary about West Ham. He told me it was a great club and difficult to play against. I just joked and said, ‘They’ll be even more difficult when I am there.’”
Bruno Guimaraes was right to push Lucas Paqueta to make West Ham move
Guimaraes has been nothing short of spectacular for Newcastle since moving from Lyon in January, and there’s a strong chance that Paqueta could have a similar impact for West Ham this season, with the Brazilian perfect for David Moyes’ system and what the Scotsman wants from his Hammers side.
Indeed, whilst there could be an adjustment period, Paqueta’s quality and skillset makes him perfect for the Premier League, and West Ham could have a potential superstar on their hands if the South American can hit the ground running when league football returns later this month.
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