Nigel Reo-Coker believes West Ham gem Lucas Paqueta is the type of player Manchester United should be looking to sign this summer.
Paqueta has been superb once again for the Irons this season after seeing a possible move to Manchester City last year break down. The Brazilian continues to be linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium, but Reo-Coker believes Man United should look to hijack a deal. “We talk about the players Man United have got rid of,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s The Friday Football Social [12 April, 7:58pm].
There are players out there that they could acquire and then develop for the future with some younger players if they had a strategy and a direction.
Paqueta at West Ham is another one out there. He’s one of the few players in the current game who, in my opinion, can fit into any squad and is a future winner of the Ballon d’Or.
Lucas Paqueta contract length at West Ham United
It’s possible that Paqueta’s value to West Ham has been demonstrated more by his absences from games than by his appearances.
The 26-year-old has been an excellent addition to the Irons, and the team won’t want to let him go at the end of the current season. He still has three years left on his deal, with an additional year’s option.
But if Man City makes a huge offer, they might be obliged to play, much as with Declan Rice to Arsenal last summer.
Paqueta is about more than simply direct goal involvements; in 25 Premier League appearances this season, he has four goals and six assists.
He would undoubtedly strengthen Man United’s starting lineup, but in many respects, it would be a step backward for him.
It’s unlikely that the rumors of a move to Man City will end, but let’s hope the team holds onto the incredibly gifted attacker.
In related West Ham news, Jason Cundy criticized David Moyes for what he called a “terrible decision.”
