(Football news) West Ham have completed the signing of Brazilian footballer Lucas Paqueta from Lyon for a club record fee of £51m. The 24 year old is the Hammers’ eighth summer signing so far and is nearly £6m more than what the club paid for Sebastian Haller who left the club after 18 months. Paqueta signs a five year contract with an option to extend a year further and will wear the number 11 jersey. 

Paqueta has already played 100 games in the Serie A and Ligue 1 with both AC Milan and Lyon since his departure from Flamingo in 2018 and reached double figures during the 2021/22 season when Lyon finished eighth. Speaking after the signing, Paqueta said “I am extremely happy to be here. I hope it's the beginning of an enjoyable journey. I hope my time here is successful. 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 team-mates and the club." 

Known to be an elegant attacking midfielder, Paqueta has incredible versatility and a formidable left foot. He can play up front, as a withdrawn winger, deeper midfielder as well as in a number 10 role. However, David Moyes will want to work on certain aspects of his game to improve his effectiveness as the 24 year old is prone to showboating, an attribute which may prove to be costly in the Premier League. However, all signs indicate that Paqueta can be an incredible asset to West Ham for years to come.

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