Nuno Espirito Santo shoots himself in the foot as Lucas Paqueta successor already allowed to leave West Ham
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Nuno Espírito Santo Shoots Himself in the Foot as Lucas Paquetá Successor Already Allowed to Leave West Ham
West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo faces a self-inflicted crisis amid the club's relegation battle, as star midfielder Lucas Paquetá pushes for an exit just when his creativity is desperately needed[1][3][4]. The Brazilian, 28, was omitted from the Hammers' FA Cup third-round victory over QPR, signaling deepening tensions[1][3][6]. Paquetá, who has a contract until 2027 with an extension option, now favors a £35million move back to Flamengo in Brazil, despite past interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa, and a collapsed Manchester City deal in 2023 due to an FA betting investigation[1][2][3][4][7].
Nuno has publicly expressed desperation to retain his talisman, warning that losing Paquetá could doom West Ham's Premier League survival hopes—they trail safety by seven points behind Nottingham Forest[4][5]. The manager reacted to exit rumors after Paquetá's recent red card against Liverpool for dissent, amid a dip in form linked to off-field pressures[4]. Fans are furious, viewing the timing as legacy-damaging, especially after the club endured his inconsistencies during the probe[4][5].
Compounding the issue, Nuno's past decisions haunt West Ham: the article claims he "shot himself in the foot" by previously allowing James McAtee—a 'quality' Paquetá successor and player Nuno knows well from his time at Nottingham Forest—to depart early in the window[1]. McAtee, a creative English attacking midfielder who shone at Manchester City, was eyed as the ideal replacement to spark attacks behind new signings like Felipe and Taty Castellanos, on whom the club spent over £40million this January[1].
West Ham's stance remains firm against a sale, but Paquetá's unrest—echoed by reports from ExWHUemployee and talkSPORT—threatens chaos mid-transfer window[5][6]. With Nuno needing a defender and No.10 successor, cashing in risks disaster, yet holding a demotivated star offers little solace[1][4][5]. Supporters debate: let him go and reinvest, or fight for unity in the 'West Ham Way' survival scrap?
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