The transfer market giveth, and the transfer market giveth away. It only took about half an hour for West Ham United to scrub some of the shine of the revelation that Newcastle are closing in on a £60 million, club-record deal for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak (Sky Sports).
According to The Athletic, a player who has taken pride and place right near the top of Newcastle’s wishlist ever since that Saudi Arabian takeover is closing in on a move to West Ham instead. Few saw this coming. Call it a bolt from the claret-and-blue.
West Ham have submitted a £33 million bid for Lyon’s Brazil international Lucas Paqueta. Talks between all parties, The Athletic adds, are rapidly progressing. Signing one of the most talented young playmakers in Europe in the final week of the window? There’s certainly worse ways to respond to your worst start to a league season in 51 years.
Newcastle’s loss is West Ham United’s gain with Lucas Paqueta deal close
French publication But Football Club claimed earlier in the week that Paqueta – despite his excellent relationship with Bruno Guimaraes – was not particularly enamoured about the prospect of joining his former Lyon team-mate at St James’ Park.
Given that Paqueta is now close to agreeing personal terms close with West Ham, however, it seems he does not have the same reservations about a club nailed to the bottom of the Premier League table without a point or even a goal to their name. And while Newcastle fans may scoff at the idea that West Ham represents a step up from a team who had Pep Guardiola rubbing his head furiously on Sunday afternoon, don’t forget that David Moyes’ side have flirted with Champions League qualification over the last couple of seasons, while reaching to the Europa League quarter-finals.
Newcastle haven’t played European football since the Alan Pardew era.
A £33 million statement signing
And do not underestimate just what a coup this is for West Ham. A side frequently accused of lacking ambition in the transfer market. If Gianluca Scamacca was eye-catching, than Paqueta is potentially game-changing.
“He brings so much to our team,” Champions League and World Cup winner Jerome Boateng said of Paqueta recently. “Runs a lot, has skills, technique, creates chances, 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.”
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, meanwhile, suggested that he would only consider offers in the £70 million bracket for Paqueta a few months ago. Flash forward to late-August, the one-time AC Milan man is joining West Ham for around half that fee.
Isak’s arrival would be a testament to how far Newcastle have come in less than 12 months post-Mike Ashley. Lucas Paqueta choosing West Ham over Tyneside, however, is a reminder that they still have a long way to go.
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