According to the world-class football journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Lucas Paqueta has already completed his medical with West Ham in London. His signing will be completed soon! West Ham agreed to a $51m deal to sign him from the French club, Olympique Lyonnais. It will be the most West Ham has ever spent on a player, after $45m spent on Sebastian Haller in 2019.
So, why is Paqueta?
Luca Paqueta is 25-year-old, a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder.
Paqueta started with a Brazilian football club, Flamengo in 2007 at the age of 10. In 2016, he got promoted to Flamengo’s professional team. He made 95 appearances and 18 goals.
In 2018, Paqueta transferred to AC Milan for a $35m deal on a five-year contract. He made 44 appearances, but only 1 goal and 3 assists. Yeah, he was sluggish. The reason was that he struggled to settle in Italy and make friends in the club. The club’ was also playing a formation’s play style that didn’t fit Paqueta. Therefore, Milan decided to sell him.
In 2020, Lyon signed Paqueta for $20m on a five-year contract. Lyon’s play style fit Paqueta, so he played much better. He made 80 appearances and scored 21 goals and 14 assists throughout the 2020~22 season.
Paqueta played pretty well in the Brazil international football team when he came out. He made 33 appearances and scored 7 goals so far throughout 2018~22. He will become in the first team soon. Paqueta was also selected for the 2021 Copa America and scored 1 of each goal in the quarter-final and the semi-final that only goals. He was exactly the player who sent the team to the final and won.
That’s why West Ham is making a bold investment.
Paqueta’s play style is finding space, carrying the ball, and passing or finishing near the box. He can also play as a forward.
How do you rate this signing?
Source: Sports Moments
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