Lucas Paqueta makes shocking decision after Everton strong interest in the star ahead of January window

Everton Eye Shock January Swoop for West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta Amid Midfield Overhaul

As the January transfer window looms, Everton are reportedly plotting a bold ambush for West Ham United’s talismanic midfielder Lucas Paqueta, reigniting a summer saga that could reshape their ailing midfield. Sources close to Goodison Park indicate that Toffees boss David Moyes – no stranger to the London Stadium after his Hammers tenure – has reignited interest in the Brazilian star, viewing him as the creative spark needed to haul Everton out of their relegation skirmish.

Paqueta, 28, has endured a turbulent spell at West Ham since his £51 million arrival from Lyon in 2023. Cleared of spot-fixing allegations earlier this year, the playmaker has flickered with brilliance – notching four goals and five assists in 12 Premier League outings this season – but frustrations mount amid the Irons’ stuttering campaign. Recent admissions from the player himself have lit the fuse: Paqueta confessed to “expressing desire” for a Flamengo return in the summer, while he’s reportedly “open” to a January exit if the right offer materializes. West Ham, per insiders, have a verbal pact with the No. 10 to facilitate a departure should bids exceed £40 million, fueling speculation of a cash infusion for squad bolstering.

Everton’s pursuit traces back to August, when a rebuffed £25 million bid for Hammers teammate Tomas Soucek prompted a pivot toward Paqueta, coinciding with clandestine club talks. Moyes, leveraging his West Ham contacts, sees the ex-Flamengo maestro’s vision and set-piece prowess as ideal for unlocking a blunt Everton attack, mired at 1.2 goals per game. Financial fair play constraints loom large, but offloading fringe assets like Neal Maupay could greenlight a £35-45 million package, potentially structured with add-ons.For Paqueta, a Merseyside move represents Premier League continuity minus the East End pressure cooker. “I’m focused but opportunities arise,” he hinted post-Brazil duty, coyly nodding to unresolved ambitions. Everton faithful, starved of marquee signings, buzz with cautious optimism – could this be the coup that echoes Moyes’ glory days?

Yet, rivals lurk: Aston Villa’s £50 million summer probe lingers, while Newcastle whispers persist. As snow dusts the pitches, Goodison’s January dreams hinge on prying Paqueta from a Hammers side desperate to rebound. If Moyes pulls it off, it won’t just be a transfer – it’ll be a statement of defiance.