Newcastle could soon be getting their hands on West Ham No.11 Lucas Paqueta – a player who Bruno Guimaraes adores.
What’s the story?
Well – if West Ham are relegated – we could certainly see this deal materialising for Newcastle.
Before West Ham completed the £51m signing of Paqueta back in August 2022, there was plenty of interest in his services, with Bruno Guimaraes even asking Newcastle to take a look at his fellow Brazilian.
The South American told ESPN: “It would be my dream. Paqueta is my best friend, we made a relationship, not only on the field, but we lived together all the time outside. Our wives together too. It was a brotherly relationship, we still talk every day. It would be really cool if he could come here, but I can’t do this job.”
According to the Chronicle, Newcastle were one of the sides interested in Paqueta, who made 47 appearances alongside Bruno Guimaraes at Lyon.
Things have not been easy for the 25-year-old since he moved to east London.
Paqueta has only scored two goals in 19 Premier League appearances as West Ham find themselves in real danger of dropping into the Championship – as things stand, the Hammers sit just one point above the relegation zone.
Newcastle could pinch Paqueta from West Ham
If the unthinkable did happen and West Ham dropped into the Championship, after only recently reaching a Europa League Semi-Final, then we highly doubt a player of Paqueta’s quality would stay.
Contrastingly, Newcastle are third, and have a great chance to qualify for the Champions League.
They also possess the money needed to lure someone like Paqueta to Tyneside, as well as the trump card of already having his best friend in Newcastle.
Crucially, Eddie Howe also seems keen to sign another midfielder – judging by interest in Scott McTominay, as revealed by the Telegraph.
If West Ham drop into the Championship, be sure to keep an eye on Paqueta to Newcastle, as it could well happen.
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