Lucas Paqueta scored one of the goals in West Ham’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and sent a message about his future. The 28-year-old Brazilian has been linked to a move in this transfer window, with Aston Villa among the clubs interested in signing him.
After converting the penalty and finding the net at City Ground this Sunday (31) in the 88th minute, the attacking midfielder made a phone gesture and mimed throwing the device away. He then kissed the West Ham badge.
Paqueta’s future under the spotlight
The celebration was highly praised by Hammers fans, who are reluctant to see their number 10 leave. After the match, captain Jarrod Bowen also addressed the speculation surrounding Paqueta’s future.
“Don't believe everything you see online. Some people didn't think he would come to play, but he came and scored,” Bowen told BBC Sport.
This week, Paqueta was reported as a target for Tottenham and Aston Villa, and according to the English press, the Villains were close to sealing the former Flamengo star’s transfer.
If this had a chance to be his final game for West Ham, manager Graham Potter and the fans can breathe a sigh of relief after the Brazilian’s message. All signs point to him staying with the Hammers this transfer window.
Now, Lucas Paqueta will shift focus and is expected to join the Brazilian national team for the September FIFA break, which features qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
Paqueta Shines, but Forest v West Ham Takes Time to Spark
The match itself saw few chances in the first half, and even as the away side, West Ham created the better opportunities. A Paqueta shot saved by Sels in the 39th minute had been the most dangerous moment up to that point.
The second half continued with the Hammers in control, and Paqueta was heavily involved in the offense. However, the scoreboard only changed in the closing moments when Bowen scored in the 84th minute. Wilson sealed the victory in stoppage time, confirming West Ham’s first win of this Premier League season. Forest, meanwhile, suffered their first loss of the competition.
This article was originally published on Trivela.
