Brazil international Lucas Paqueta has signed for West Ham United, the club confirmed on Monday night. The Hammers paid Olympique Lyonnais a club-record fee – reportedly above 50 million pounds after add-ons – to sign the 25-year-old attacking midfielder on a five-year contract, with the option to extend it for an additional season.
Paqueta has become West Ham’s eighth signing of the season after Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, and Emerson Palmieri. He will wear the number 11 for the club, donned previously by Nikola Vlasic, Jesse Lingard, and Robert Snodgrass.
Speaking to the Hammers’ media, the Brazilian expressed his delight at signing for West Ham, hoping that his stint in East London is a success.
“Last season, West Ham had a very good season and I hope they continue to enjoy more and more good seasons in my time at the Club.
“I am excited to pull on the West Ham shirt and show the fans what I can do, to help my teammates and the Club.”
Manager David Moyes, too, addressed Paqueta’s arrival in an interview with the club website, claiming that while he is a talented footballer, the coaching staff will ease him into the Premier League given the demands of the competition.
“He’s a very talented footballer and whilst he will need time to adapt to the Premier League, we’re excited about adding another proven international to our squad,”
said the Scotsman.
Paqueta started his career with Brazilian giants Flamengo, but it wasn’t long after that his talents were spotted by AC Milan, who flew the youngster to Europe in a 35 million euro deal.
However, he failed to carve a role for himself with the Rossoneri and was shipped to Lyon for a fraction of that fee just a year-and-a-half later. In Lyon, Paqueta made 80 appearances across two seasons and scored 21 goals, rejuvenating his career and earning the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.
