West Ham now appear to have Flamengo on a silver Plata in the Lucas Paqueta saga after a significant twist which could actually benefit Nuno Espirito Santo.
What had looked like a delicate, player-driven situation has taken a new direction, strengthening West Ham’s hand and changing the dynamics of negotiations at the most critical moment.
Friday looks set to be D-Day for the saga between Lucas Paqueta, West Ham and the Brazilian club he is desperate to join – Flamengo.
Battle lines were drawn as West Ham made an astonishing Paqueta accusation on Thursday following intense speculation over his conduct in trying to force a move back to his boyhood club.
The Hammers board accused Paqueta of ‘lies’ and ‘playing games’ over a back injury which has reportedly prevented him from training ahead of a crucial game with Spurs.
Nuno Espirito Santo held a meeting with the Brazilian playmaker this week.
New major development in West Ham’s Paqueta saga
At that meeting, Nuno agreed to ask West Ham to let Paqueta leave if Flamengo meet the asking price, after being convinced the 28-year-old wants a return home for the right reasons.
That asking price is around £42.5m – some £10m more than Flamengo initially offered.
How will you LOOK BACK on Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham career? 🇧🇷
Rate his Hammers career out of 10
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
But a meeting has been scheduled for Friday between West Ham and the biggest club outside of Europe, with widespread reports from some top sources that a deal is looking increasingly likely.
The Paqueta situation has been dividing opinion among Hammers fans.
Many feel it is time to sell and move on, especially as Paqueta has been a shadow of his former self for much of the last two years.
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
And particularly given the Hammers need players who are committed to the cause as they fight for their Premier League lives.
Indeed there is also debate that West Ham could put the money to good use signing a player much better suited to a relegation scrap than Paqueta – who has just one assist in his last 59 games.
Until now, Paqueta pushing to leave and Flamengo the only club he wants, the Hammers have been left in a difficult position.
But the tables appear to have turned in their favour.
Because West Ham now have Flamengo on a silver Plata over the Paqueta deal after a new twist.
It is being reported by outlets in Brazil and England – including the likes of Fabrizio Romano – that West Ham and Flamengo could iron out a deal on Friday.
West Ham now have Flamengo on silver Plata over Paqueta deal
The Hammers have been playing hard ball, though, and that could be about to pay off big time.
As part of the discussions over Paqueta, Bolavip reports that West Ham want the extremely versatile, hard-working pressing machine Gonzalo Plata from Flamengo as part of the deal.
With these players out or doutbful, who needs to step up against Tottenham?!
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
The Hammers have told the player they will increase his salary and are willing to use £20m of the Paqueta money to pay Plata’s asking price according to the report.
The 25-year-old Ecuadorian can play in a number of positions across the forward line and midfield.
While no agreement has been reached, Plata’s name is expected to feature heavily in talks between the Hammers and Flamengo on Friday.
And the deal could work out much better for Nuno and West Ham – as long as Plata can hit the ground running in the Premier League.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWhat Gonzalo Plata would bring to West Ham
Plata has been starring for Flamengo in Brazil, having previously played for Sporting CP, Real Valladolid, Al-Sadd and Ecuador.
At Valladolid he made over 60 appearances with seven goals, before impressing in Qatar with double-figure goal contributions, and later helping Flamengo win the Copa do Brasil with a decisive final-winner.
Plata is known for his pace and being technically gifted, thriving on taking defenders on, creating chances and contributing both goals and assists.
With explosive acceleration, strong dribbling ability and a preference for cutting inside on his left foot, some much-needed dynamism would be added to West Ham’s attack.
Plata would offer Nuno width, unpredictability and creative spark.
He has also proven himself as a big game player, stepping up and performing at his best in high-pressure matches.
And West Ham will certainly be playing plenty of those before the season is out.
What could be the biggest game-changer should this contra-deal come off, though, is Plata’s work-rate.
His effort in transitional play and counter-attacks, as well as pressing the opposition, would make West Ham an entirely proposition.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox