West Ham’s ideal Lucas Paqueta transfer destination revealed as ‘most likely option’ emerges

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TBR Football understands West Ham United would prefer to sell Lucas Paqueta to Saudi Arabia this summer.

Sources have informed TBR Football that Manchester City remain admirers of the Brazilian, having tried to sign the midfielder back in 2023, but are unlikely to make a move at this stage.

Charges brought against Paqueta by the Football Association in relation to spot-fixing allegations have clouded his future at the London Stadium; however, Paqueta has since been cleared of all charges.

The 27-year-old had looked a likely candidate to leave West Ham this summer, and the club are exploring a potential sale to raise further funds after Mohammed Kudus’ big-money move to Tottenham earlier in the window.

Exclusive: Saudi Arabia is the most likely option for Paqueta

Chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively told TBR Football that although Paqueta is unlikely to leave the Hammers this summer, the club would prefer to sell to Saudi Arabia rather than a Premier League rival.

Bailey states: “Those are really two different answers. From the club’s perspective, they’d ideally like to sell him to Saudi Arabia – that’s where the biggest money is, and they’d be willing to cover his wages. There is some interest in England, but the player himself isn’t desperate to leave.

“He feels a bit of loyalty to West Ham, especially with them standing by him recently. Pep Guardiola has always been a big fan, but at this stage of the window, it looks like City are sticking with what they’ve got.

“So I’d say it’s hard to see him moving within England, or even within Europe right now. If he does go, Saudi is the most likely option – though I’m not convinced he will move this window. There is definite interest there, and some talks are ongoing.”

Tottenham could be a landing spot for Paqueta after the London rivals acquired Kudus from the Irons earlier this summer.

The Brazilian is reportedly available for a relatively cut-price £30 million, a significant decrease from the £81 million Manchester City offered in 2023.

Paqueta, once dubbed ‘extraordinary’, remains a top-level midfielder in the Premier League and, after an underwhelming campaign last year shrouded in doubt, West Ham could benefit from his talents this season should a move fail to materialise.

West Ham need to sell players before the transfer deadline

As previously reported by TBR Football, West Ham need to sell players this summer to help alleviate the ongoing financial issues in East London.

Tomas Soucek is another name expected to depart the London Stadium before the deadline as Graham Potter becomes increasingly anxious regarding his lack of high-profile signings.

After Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan move turned permanent, West Ham have added only two new faces to the side and have yet to sign a suitable replacement for Kudus.

With just over a fortnight left until the transfer window slams shut, the Hammers are running out of time, not only to remove Paqueta from the books but also to find top-quality replacements.