(Credit: Imago, Getty Images)

Callum O'Connell

Wed 20 August 2025 7:00, UK

West Ham have made a U-turn on their decision to let Lucas Paqueta leave the club this summer, according to their former senior scout.

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Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected within the game, exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old now looks set to stay amid a lack of interest.

This comes after part-owner Baroness Karren Brady appeared on talkSPORT to explain that the Brazil international is happy to remain at the London Stadium.

Football Insider revealed on 11 August that Saudi Pro League and Brazilian clubs want Paqueta, although suggestions of a move to Man City were dismissed.

However, Brown explained that no formal or informal talks have been held about the attacking midfielder and all parties are now content for him to stay.

This is despite Brown telling Football Insider in July that West Ham planned to sell Paqueta to raise funds for reinvesting in Graham Potter’s squad.

Lucas Paqueta has been linked with a move away from West Ham.

(Credit: Imago)

This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

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An FA investigation into spot-fixing allegations had led to claims that Paqueta could be banned from football for life, but he was recently cleared of all charges.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that no offers have come in for him despite interest growing after the case was cleared.

“There’s been a lot of speculation about Paqueta’s future,” he told Football Insider.

“A lot of talk about which clubs might be interested in him, what his price tag might be, whether West Ham would let him go, all of that.

“The main question recently has been about whether anybody might take a chance on him.

“But none of it matters, because nobody has come forward with an offer.

“Clubs may have been considering him or looking at him, but nobody has made a move.

“Karren Brady confirming he isn’t going anywhere is largely because there aren’t any clubs making moves to take him away at the moment.

“I’m sure West Ham are happy with him and I’m sure he’s happy there.

Graham Potter has been keen to strengthen his squad.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

“After everything that’s gone on, maybe he wants some stability.

“I have to admit, I’m surprised because at the start of the window the view was very much that if offers came in for him they would be accepted.

“Alongside Kudus, he was seen as somebody who they could sell for good money and then put that money back into strengthening the team.

“But now it appears he’s staying, so good luck to him.

“West Ham have got to get him back to where he was, with that confidence and Brazilian flair that he shows when he’s at his best.”

Amid ongoing speculation about potential departures from the London Stadium this summer, plans are also being put in place to strengthen their squad.

Brown told Football Insider on 18 August that West Ham could sign Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira after talks took place with the player’s agent in recent weeks.

Fabio Vieira has been linked with a move to West Ham.

(Credit: Imago)

However, while he remains a name on their list and could become an option should they miss out on other targets, it is unlikely they will make a move at this stage.

Meanwhile, reports [The Athletic] have claimed Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart are working on a deal to sign the attacking midfielder as Mikel Arteta plans to move him on.

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