Arrived from AC Milan against 20 million euros, the Brazilian attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who had failed to win with the Rossoneri, demonstrated all his talent on the lawns of Ligue 1. either under Rudi Garcia or Peter Bosz, the 24-year-old quickly became one of the best playmakers in France, which caught the eye of several major European teams.
If Newcastle and Manchester City were not insensitive to the talent of the international Auriverde (33 caps, 7 goals), it was ultimately West Ham who managed to convince OL to release him from his remaining three years of contract, so that the French club wanted a check for 60 million euros. An amount decided after an initial offer of €49 million including bonus. The Hammers then approached the requirements of the Rhone board to reach the amount requested. The Brazilian thus becomes the most expensive player in the history of WHU.
Paqueta signs for 5 years
On its official website, the London club also announced the news through a press release: “West Ham United are delighted to announce the club-record signing of Brazil international Lucas Paquetá. » OL, listed on the stock exchange, revealed the exact amount of the transaction. “Olympique Lyonnais confirms the transfer of its Brazilian international midfielder, Lucas Paquetá, to English club West Ham for a total amount of €61.630 million, including €18.680 million in bonuses spread over the player’s 5-year contract and to which an additional incentive of 10% on any capital gain may be added. Moreover, and as had been concluded during his initial transfer, 15% of the amount of the capital gain realized will be donated to his former club, AC Milan, according to the rate of bonuses obtained. »
By signing up for the next five seasons with the Irons, Lucas Paqueta is leaving Olympique Lyonnais, where he will have played 80 games in all competitions for 21 goals and 14 assists. With the number 10 on his back, the native of Rio de Janeiro was able to revive after his lackluster Italian experience. He will thus discover the Premier League alongside other former Ligue 1 players such as Nayef Aguerd (ex-Rennes) and Thilo Kehrer (ex-PSG), before facing his former teammate at Les Gones and teammate Bruno Guimaraes. (Newcastle).