As the January transfer window opens could it see Manchester City return for West Ham’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta? The world champions have maintained an interest in the Hammers midfielder as previously reported by SkySports reporter Dharmesh Sheth. The reporter told GIVEMESPORT that City may return for Paqueta after their move in the summer for the midfielder collapsed due to a betting investigation into Paqueta.
Reporter Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that Paqueta’s strong form for West Ham has given him the opportunity to move to a bigger club. Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think that he’s missed the boat on this one just yet. I think that Manchester City are still interested in Paqueta and he’s done himself absolutely no harm by reflecting and responding to that failed transfer. By putting in such brilliantly consistent performances at West Ham.”
A January move from Manchester City for Paqueta does seem unlikely. With Kevin De Bruyne having returned from injury there doesn’t appear to be a pressing need for another creative midfielder. Phil Foden has taken his game to another level so the treble winners appear well-stocked in the centre of the pitch. With Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic also settling into life at the Etihad a January move for Paqueta doesn’t appear on the cards.
A major January transfer move also doesn’t fit City’s typical transfer plans. The club tends to do it’s major business in the summer to avoid inflated transfer fees.
But a move for the West Ham star may be a move City contemplate in the summer. Given De Bruyne’s age and recent injury history City could return in the summer for the Brazilian midfielder. That would appear to be a more likely scenario than a January move for the midfielder.