Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Mon 11 August 2025 20:45, UK

West Ham United appear to be planning for life without Lucas Paqueta.

Lucas Paqueta reacts to West Ham teammate's message after transfer update	Man City must make Lucas Paqueta decision after Ilkay Gundogan news	Lucas Paqueta's 'likely' destination revealed as Man City swoop

The Brazil international has been with the Hammers since 2022, and despite suffering some off-field issues during that time, he’s still registered 18 goals and 14 assists in 120 appearances across all competitions — winning a Uefa Conference League title along the way.

However, the metronomic midfielder has often been linked with a move away from the London Stadium and now, Manchester City look set to increase their interest in Paqueta amid Saudi Pro League interest.

But West Ham appear to be proactive in their search for a replacement to go straight into the heart of Graham Potter’s midfield.

West Ham are tracking Mateus Fernandes (Credit: Imago)

According to Sky Sports, the Hammers are keeping tabs on Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The Portugal international was one of the few shining lights in a miserable season for the Saints, registering three goals and six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions despite his side picking up just 12 points from 38 Premier League matches.

Fernandes was first among Southampton players in the Premier League for assists (4), direct goal involvements (6), chances created (34), expected assists (3.64), successful tackles per 90 (1.48) and possessions won in the final third per 90 (0.5, FotMob).

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But these numbers aren’t just impressive in the context of a poor West Ham side; they also hold up well against Paqueta.

The Brazilian was outperformed by the Saints star in assists (4-0), direct goal involvements (6-4), expected assists (3.64-3.29) and successful tackles per 90 (1.48-1.40) — while he only created two more chances and was outdribbled 1.51-0.79 per 90.

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Mateus Fernandes vs Lucas Paqueta in the 2024/25 Premier League (Credit: FotMob)

A deal for Fernandes won’t be cheap, given that Southampton only signed him for £12.8million from Sporting CP last summer and with four years remaining on his contract.

What’s more, the South Coast side have already lost Aaron Ramsdale on loan to Newcastle this summer, while Everton continue to push for talented winger Tyler Dibling.

Fernandes also proved just how important he can be to new manager Will Still.

In just 31 minutes from the bench against Wrexham on Saturday, the midfielder created one chance and had one shot, while playing seven passes into the final third and delivering four crosses into the box — helping Southampton overturn a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1.

All of that said, the 21-year-old — capped extensively by Portugal across various youth levels — could be an excellent replacement for Paqueta should he leave the London Stadium and would undoubtedly be motivated by an immediate return to the Premier League as he looks to break into the senior Portugal national team.
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