Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly taken a bold step in the transfer market by making an official offer to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, a move that has surprised many across English football.
Reports from Brazil suggest Spurs have already tabled a bid, sensing an opportunity as West Ham’s season continues to unravel and uncertainty surrounds the future of one of their most high-profile players.
Paqueta’s time at the London Stadium now feels as though it is coming to a natural end. West Ham are enduring a deeply troubling campaign and are currently on course for relegation after a series of poor results and unconvincing performances.
The pressure on the club has grown with every passing week, and key players are now being linked with exits as preparations quietly begin for a major reset.
Although Paqueta has scored five goals in 19 appearances this season, his overall influence has failed to meet expectations. Many supporters hoped he would be the creative heartbeat of the side, someone capable of lifting the team during difficult moments. Instead, his form has been inconsistent, and frustration has grown among fans who expected far more from a player of his quality and reputation.
At 28 years old, Paqueta is entering a phase of his career where stability and ambition matter more than patience. With West Ham struggling and confidence low across the squad, both the player and the club appear ready to part ways.
That reality has opened the door to interest from elsewhere, and Tottenham’s involvement has added an unexpected twist to the story.
According to Brazilian outlet Torcida Flamengo, Spurs have submitted an offer in the region of £26 million for the attacking midfielder. While that figure may seem modest for a player of Paqueta’s pedigree, West Ham’s current situation weakens their negotiating position.
Relegation would have major financial consequences, and cashing in on a valuable asset could soon become a necessity rather than a choice.
Tottenham’s interest is particularly striking given the rivalry between the two London clubs. A move across the capital would be difficult for some West Ham supporters to accept, but from Paqueta’s perspective, it offers a chance to remain in the Premier League and continue competing at a high level in Europe.
Spurs are clearly looking to add creativity and technical quality to their midfield, and Paqueta fits that profile well.
However, Tottenham are not the only club in the race. Flamengo, Paqueta’s boyhood club, are also pushing hard to bring him back to Brazil. He came through their youth system and enjoyed a strong early career there, scoring 18 goals in 95 appearances before his move to AC Milan in 2018. A return home carries strong emotional appeal, and reports suggest Flamengo are already in advanced talks over a potential deal.
This sets up a genuine head-versus-heart decision for Paqueta. Staying in England with Tottenham would allow him to continue playing at the highest level, while a return to Flamengo would offer familiarity, comfort, and the chance to reconnect with his roots.
With 18 months remaining on his West Ham contract, which runs until the summer of 2027, time is no longer on the club’s side to command a premium fee.
For West Ham, Paqueta’s departure could mark the beginning of a long-overdue rebuild. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, the squad has looked unbalanced and short of quality in several key areas. There is a clear lack of energy, leadership, and consistency, and change feels unavoidable regardless of which division the club finds itself in next season.
Selling Paqueta would provide much-needed funds to help reshape the squad. Those resources could be used to bring in hungry players willing to fight for the badge and restore a sense of identity that has been missing for much of the campaign. While losing a player with Paqueta’s flair and natural talent always carries risk, his x-factor has not been enough to drag the team out of trouble this season.
Many supporters are now prioritising effort and commitment over reputation. They want to see players who give everything on the pitch, even if they lack star power. In that context, Paqueta’s exit may not be met with as much resistance as once expected. There is a growing acceptance that a clean break could benefit everyone involved.
As the January window approaches, this situation is one to watch closely. Tottenham’s move has added urgency, Flamengo’s interest brings emotion into the equation, and West Ham’s struggles continue to shape the outcome. Wherever Paqueta ends up, his transfer looks set to be a defining moment in a turbulent period for West Ham, and a potentially clever opportunity for Spurs to strengthen at a reduced cost.
