Graham Potter decides on Lucas Paqueta exit as Tottenham line up move, £60m+ can seal the deal
Tottenham are interested in a surprise move for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta in the final days of the transfer window.
Spurs have already shopped in East London once this summer, signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham in a deal worth around £55million.
But a further addition to Thomas Frank’s midfield is required after James Maddison underwent surgery on an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.
Spurs had looked set to sign Eberechi Eze before Arsenal hijacked the move, and bids for Morgan Gibbs-White and Nico Paz have also failed this summer.
Decision-makers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have also shown interest in Morgan Rogers, but Aston Villa would only consider mammoth bids for the 23-year-old.
Tottenham considering Lucas Paqueta move
Paqueta’s future has been unclear this summer, with the outcome of the FA’s betting charges hanging over his head for much of the window.
But with the 27-year-old now cleared, the door has opened to a potential departure.
West Ham signed Paqueta in a deal worth around £51m from Lyon in 2022, with the midfielder impressing enough in his first season to attract interest from Manchester City.
The Citizens had reportedly agreed a deal worth around £80m, but the FA’s investigation saw the move break down.
The two seasons following have seen Paqueta’s form suffer, with Graham Potter confirming that the looming potential ban from football had caused emotional turmoil for the Brazilian.
Paqueta now looks to have been given a new lease of life, however, and Tottenham could hand the former Flamengo man a fresh start in the Premier League.
TalkSPORT reported on 26 August that Spurs are interested in a move for the midfielder.
Potter would be reluctant to lose the midfielder, but decision-makers at The London Stadium are ready to consider offers in excess of £60m for Paqueta.
Lucas Paqueta could be exactly what Thomas Frank needs
Paqueta’s arrival would bring an instant injection of quality and energy to Frank’s midfield.
Whilst the Brazilian is best equipped for the final third, he is a superb presser, constantly harrying his opposing midfielders and defenders.
| Lucas Paqueta | Premier League 2024/25 (per 90) |
| Shots | 1.43 |
| Passes into penalty area | 1.69 |
| Tackles | 2.51 |
| Take-ons attempted | 1.95 |
And once faced with the penalty box, the 27-year-old is a strong finisher and an ingenious passer, often able to slip passes through the last line of defence.
An added bonus, too, would be Paqueta’s connection with Kudus, who would likely benefit from his former teammates’ ability to find his runs in behind.
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