Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá is once again at the center of transfer speculation, as reports suggest he is eager to leave West Ham United in the upcoming January 2026 transfer window.
The 28-year-old, who has been one of the Hammers’ few creative sparks this season, appears ready for a fresh start elsewhere, with Tottenham Hotspur showing renewed interest in bringing him to North London.
West Ham’s financial challenges, coupled with their inconsistent Premier League form, have added more weight to the possibility of a sale, even if reluctantly.
West Ham are believed to be demanding around £60 million for Paquetá, a player known for his flair, versatility, and attacking instincts.
Despite contributing two goals in nine appearances this campaign, his season has been overshadowed by the lingering effects of past betting allegations accusations from which he was officially cleared in July 2025. Still, uncertainty surrounding his long-term future at the London Stadium has persisted.
While his quality is unquestionable, his motivation to remain at West Ham seems to have waned as the club continues to struggle both on and off the pitch.
Flamengo, Paquetá’s boyhood club in Brazil, have maintained long-standing interest in re-signing him, but the financial realities of the deal make it unlikely. Matching West Ham’s £60 million valuation would be difficult for the Brazilian side, even with their recent investment push.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, reportedly had a summer bid turned down, showing that there is domestic competition for his signature. Yet it is Tottenham who appear most determined to test West Ham’s resolve this winter.
For Tottenham, there are clear benefits but also some obstacles. The biggest concern is Paquetá’s age at 28, Spurs might hesitate to commit such a large fee to a player nearing his 30s. The club’s recruitment strategy under Daniel Levy has traditionally favored younger, resale-friendly talent.
However, Thomas Frank, who took over managerial duties with a clear vision of making Spurs more tactically fluid, sees Paquetá as an ideal addition to unlock stubborn defenses.
The midfielder’s creativity and ability to link play from deep or operate behind the striker are attributes Tottenham have lacked since the departure of Christian Eriksen and the recent fitness issues of James Maddison.
There has been talk of Tottenham softening the potential financial blow through a player-plus-cash deal. Yves Bissouma could be the key bargaining chip, with West Ham reportedly open to midfield reinforcements.
Despite the Malian’s natural talent and strong fan backing, he has struggled to maintain consistency under Frank, and moving him on could benefit all parties.
Such a swap would reduce the cash outlay while giving West Ham an experienced midfielder capable of anchoring their squad.
Tottenham’s pursuit of Paquetá is not new. They made a serious attempt to sign him during the summer 2025 window after missing out on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
Negotiations back then explored multiple options a straight cash offer of around £40–55 million, add-ons, or a part-exchange involving Bissouma. However, time ran out before a deal could be finalized before the August 31 deadline.
Notably, Spurs’ interest in Paquetá came despite an informal understanding between the two London clubs to avoid direct transfers, an agreement already strained after Tottenham successfully secured Mohammed Kudus earlier this year.
The club’s hierarchy, led by the Lewis family, are reportedly planning a fresh cash injection this winter, which could strengthen their position in the market.
With key injuries to Archie Gray and others, Tottenham’s midfield depth has been stretched dangerously thin. Frank knows he cannot simply wait for players to recover, especially when there’s no certainty they will return at their best. Reinforcements are not just desirable they are essential.
Beyond Paquetá’s technical brilliance, what appeals most to Tottenham is his experience at the top level. He has proven himself in both the Premier League and international football, capable of adapting to demanding tactical systems.
With Spurs balancing domestic ambitions and European commitments, a player of Paquetá’s caliber could be the missing piece to sustain competitiveness across multiple fronts.
As things stand, the path to signing him won’t be straightforward. West Ham will want to extract full value from their asset, while Tottenham must weigh the financial commitment against their long-term plans.
Still, the intention is clear Tottenham are preparing to re-enter the race for Paquetá, and this time, with more determination and better resources.
For Frank, adding a proven creative force could transform Spurs’ midfield, turning frustration into genuine progress as they push for consistency and silverware in 2026.
