West Ham United Submit Bid for England Defender as Paqueta Exit Confirmed
West Ham United are actively pursuing further transfer business as the January deadline approaches, with the club confirming the departure of midfielder Lucas Paqueta while submitting a bid for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Lucas Paqueta Completes Permanent Move to Flamengo
The Hammers have officially announced the permanent transfer of Lucas Paqueta to Brazilian club Flamengo for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £35.5 million. The midfielder, who joined West Ham in August 2022, scored 23 goals in 139 appearances for the Irons.
Paqueta had expressed a desire to return to Brazil earlier this month, prompting negotiations. West Ham initially sought a loan arrangement until summer, but Flamengo insisted on a permanent deal, with Paqueta signing a contract until December 2030.
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo commented on the departure, stating: "For me, Lucas is a special player, a special person, he's a number 10. I think everything could be different, but the circumstances are what they are. He wanted to go to Brazil, and you keep moving, knowing that he's special person and special player and we wish him all the best."
Paqueta leaves a lasting legacy at the club, having provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen's winning goal in the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final victory against Fiorentina in Prague.
West Ham Bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis
In other transfer news, Sky Sports News reports that West Ham have submitted a bid for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The 24-year-old, formerly of Manchester City and Burnley, has earned one cap for England, making his sole appearance in November 2024.
However, the offer is expected to be rejected as it has fallen far short of Southampton's valuation. Despite this, BBC Sport indicates that Harwood-Bellis is open to a move to the London Stadium.
Harwood-Bellis joined Southampton on loan from Manchester City in 2023, helping the club achieve promotion to the Premier League, which triggered a permanent £20 million transfer. Southampton currently sit 15th in the table with 37 points after 29 games in a challenging campaign following relegation.
Transfer Deadline Approaches
With the transfer deadline set for Monday at 7pm, West Ham are working to finalise deals to strengthen their squad. The club has been active throughout January, and these latest developments highlight their ongoing efforts to reshape the team.
The potential acquisition of Harwood-Bellis would add defensive depth, while Paqueta's exit marks the end of a significant chapter for the Hammers, as they balance outgoing and incoming transfers in a busy window.
