Manchester City Are Long-Term Admirers Of This West Ham United Attacker: Should Pep Move In For Him? | OneFootball

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke stated that Manchester City are long-term admirers of West Ham United attacker Lucas Paqueta. O’Rourke said,

“Obviously, City have held a long-term interest in Lucas Paqueta.

“A couple of years ago, a move was very close for Paqueta to go to Man City.

“From what I was told, it was basically done, and then that FA investigation into the alleged betting breaches came to light and that saw the move collapse.

“That was for £85million – you’re not going to get that figure for Paqueta now.

“He’s 27 and has got two years left on his contract, so West Ham will probably sell at around the £45-50million mark for Paqueta.

“I have doubts about whether Man City need him right now, they’ve signed Rayan Cherki this summer and Reijnders has come in to bolster the midfield as well.

“I don’t think it’s a pressing need for Man City right now.

“For West Ham, they stood by the player during the FA investigation and I think it was good news for everybody that he was cleared of that.

“I don’t think they would stand in his way if they got a super offer for him this summer.

“Around £45-50million would allow Graham Potter to use that money and reinvest in his squad.”

Paqueta’s Inconsistent Campaign In English Football

Paqueta struggled to find consistency for the Hammers last season but managed to put in a few impressive displays for them in the final third. The 27-year-old scored five times in 36 appearances for West Ham in the previous campaign across all fronts.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 26: Lucas Paquetá of West Ham United in action against Manchester United during a Premier League Summer Series match at MetLife Stadium on July 26, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images)

The Brazilian talent is under contract at the London Stadium until the summer of 2027. Thus, Man City would have to make a decent offer if they are to convince West Ham to part ways with their prized asset this off-season.

Should Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Move In Paqueta?

Paqueta remains a good dribbler with the ball and can make some driving runs with it out in the wide areas. He has got the vision to engineer a few promising chances for his teammates in the final third and can strike the ball with power from long range.

The Brazilian sensation is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also fill in as a box-to-box or as a left-sided wide player if needed. He already knows the Premier League well and won’t take much time to settle into life at Manchester City.

Paqueta would enhance the quality of Pep Guardiola’s attack. He is good enough to fight for regular first-team football at the Etihad Stadium.

At 27, Paqueta has his peak years ahead of him. Hence, Man City should focus on moving in for him soon.