A top source has responded to fresh claims about West Ham star Lucas Paqueta joining Aston Villa, but there has been a big twist to the saga.
When it comes to the way the two clubs have operated regarding transfers in recent years, West Ham and Aston Villa have been polar opposites.
While Aston Villa have been swift, stealthy and efficient in getting deals done for signings during Unai Emery’s reign, almost every West Ham transfer turns into a saga.
But Villa’s PSR issues saw a touch of desperation kick in towards the end of the summer window with the Midlands side attempting the kind of low-ball deal the Hammers have become notorious for as they made a move to sign Lucas Paqueta.
Some West Ham fans are convinced talk of Paqueta being sold to Villa late in the window was being driven by the Hammers in a desperate attempt to cash in.
Romano makes fresh claim about Paqueta joining Villa
Leading the narrative on Paqueta’s West Ham future was transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, amid much anger from east London and Aston Villa.
Romano has admitted he is often hesitant to confirm deals involving West Ham until he actually sees the player holding up the shirt.
He angered West Ham supporters by pushing talk that Paqueta wanted out of the club before deadline day.
On the evening before the first game of the season at Sunderland, Romano reported that Paqueta wanted to leave with Aston Villa – and at that stage Spurs – being linked.
Many believe Romano was being fed information by certain parties, whether that be player, Villa or indeed West Ham’s owners, to try and grease the wheels of a move.
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
The transfer reporter even claimed Paqueta wanted to leave West Ham for Aston Villa and ‘liked Emery’s project’.
Romano even went as far as to say he would be announcing his trademark ‘here we go soon’ on Paqueta joining Aston Villa.
But Paqueta made him look silly with his celebration after starring and scoring in West Ham’s revitalising 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest.
Clearly well aware of the speculation swirling, the Brazilian magnifico mimicked taking a phone call before hanging up, tossing the imaginary handset away and wagging his finger saying ‘no’ as he proceeded to kiss the West Ham badge in front of the travelling fans.
It will go down as one of the most iconic celebrations in West Ham’s history as it looked to have put the saga to bed.
Top source responds to new Paqueta claim but there’s a twist
But this particular tale may not be over just yet.
Because a top source has responded to a new claim about Paqueta leaving West Ham for Aston Villa but there’s a twist.
The latest development adds yet more intrigue to the Brazilian’s long-term Hammers future.
It comes as Romano makes a fresh claim about Paqueta joining Aston Villa.
And while that ultimately could still happen in light of new developments, Romano’s version of events has been challenged by a leading correspondent.
Speaking on the It’s Called Soccer US podcast this week, Romano doubled down on his Paqueta claims, saying that the Brazilian would now be a Villa player were it not for the deal being leaked on social media.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty ImagesRomano West Ham claim ‘wide of the mark’
The irony of Romano’s comments, given he was the one reporting every spit and cough of the Paqueta situation from the eve of the new season, has not been lost on fans of both West Ham and Aston Villa.
To claim the Paqueta move to Villa ‘fell through due to leaks’ is some statement.
Hammers News put Romano’s claims to top Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey, who says Romano is wide of the mark claiming Paqueta would be at Villa now were it not for leaks.
“I am told that whilst considering the deal – David Sullivan never agreed to let him leave, and even if he had, Villa’s offer was not close to the amount it would have taken to move him,” Bailey told Hammers News.
“Indeed it was some way off.
“Paqueta was open to the deal, let’s not deny that, but that’s the same with just about every West Ham player this summer.”
Paqueta statement means Villa move could yet happen
With the latter in mind, it gives new significance to word from the horse’s mouth this week.
The playmaker has two years left on his current contract, with an option for another year.
But Paqueta appears to have confirmed this season will be his last at West Ham in a surprise post on social media.
In an emotional statement on his return from international duty with Brazil, Paqueta appeared to suggest a move to Villa was indeed in the offing before the deadline.
Because he states he chose to stay out of loyalty to West Ham and the fans after they stood by him during the darkest two years of his life, as he faced and beat spot-fixing charges.
The most telling part of Paqueta’s statement came at the end.
“It’s not time to say goodbye yet!” Paqueta said.
“Let’s go together for one more season!”
Some Hammers fans are rather desperately hoping Paqueta may be mistranslating his own message.
West Ham will be able to enjoy Paqueta for the season and he is hitting something like his best form too.
But Villa’s interest and the player’s apparent declaration he is off at the end of the season suggests this saga will reignite when next summer rolls around.