Lucas Paqueta Sends Clear Message to Fans Amid West Ham Exit Reports

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta has seemingly refuted reports claiming he is looking to leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window.

A story published by The Times on Tuesday suggested that Paqueta was keen to depart the struggling Premier League side, having been denied a move to Aston Villa during the summer.

According to the report, the Brazilian international, who is under contract until 2027, was eager to join Villa after being cleared of spot-fixing allegations in July.

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However, West Ham reportedly blocked the transfer as it came too late in the window. A subsequent loan offer from his former club, Flamengo, was also said to have been rejected.

However, sources indicate that neither Paqueta nor his representatives have informed the club of any desire to leave.

In what appeared to be a direct response to the speculation, Paqueta took to social media shortly after the article was published. The playmaker posted a picture on X, formerly Twitter, showing him smiling in his West Ham kit alongside his two sons, Filippo and Tiziano, at the London Stadium. The post was accompanied only by a smiling emoji.

Paqueta has been a vital player for the Hammers since his arrival from Lyon in 2022, recently surpassing 100 appearances for the club. He has also earned over 50 caps for the Brazilian national team.

The speculation comes amid a difficult period for West Ham, who find themselves 19th in the Premier League table. The club has managed just one win in nine matches, suffering seven defeats. Their latest setback was a 2-1 loss to newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road.

The club has also seen significant off-field changes, with Nuno Espirito Santo recently appointed as manager following the dismissal of Graham Potter.

Before the two-year investigation into spot-fixing allegations, Paqueta was reportedly close to a major £83 million transfer to Manchester City, but the deal was ultimately called off.