West Ham manager, Graham Potter has firmly communicated to both the club’s hierarchy and Lucas Paqueta that he is determined to keep the Brazilian midfielder in London, despite Newcastle United preparing a move for the playmaker.
Softfootball understands that the 27-year-old has been weighing up several proposals in recent weeks, with interest coming from abroad as well as within the Premier League.
However, Potter has directly intervened, holding conversations with Paqueta and reassuring him of the important role he plays in his project at West Ham. The new Hammers boss sees Paqueta as a cornerstone of his midfield, praising his creativity, technical ability, and leadership on the pitch.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his X account, Graham Potter has made it clear to West Ham that he is determined to keep hold of Lucas Paquetá. The Hammers boss has also spoken directly with the Brazilian midfielder, who has been weighing up offers in recent weeks. He tweeted:
“Graham Potter has made clear with West Ham his desire to keep Lucas Paquetá.
Potter also spoke to the player as he’s been considering proposals for weeks, full trust from #WHUFC manager.”
Potter is understood to have given the player full trust and guaranteed him a central role moving forward. While offers remain on the table for the 27-year-old, the message from West Ham is clear: they want to build around Paqueta rather than cash in.
The situation now depends on the player’s decision, but with Potter’s backing, West Ham are increasingly confident they can convince Paqueta to commit his future to the club.
But the big worry is that if Newcastle come knocking late in the window, the board would pocket the money and fail to adequately replace one of their few remaining quality players.
Although Paqueta was poor offering little as West Ham were embarrassed on Saturday when Sunderland hammered them 3-0 in their heaviest defeat yet under Graham Potter, who finds himself under pressure again ahead of a clash with former club Chelsea next.
