West Ham smash club record after completing Lucas Paqueta signing; special debut in the offing for Brazilian

West Ham have broken their transfer record after landing Brazil international Lucas Paqueta from Lyon in a deal that could eventually be worth £51million.

The 25-year-old becomes the eighth new recruit for the Hammers this summer, signing a deal until 2027 with a one-year option and he could be in line for a special debut against bitter rivals Tottenham on Wednesday evening.

David Moyes will be hoping the former AC Milan midfielder can help his side solve their goalscoring issues. The Hammers have netted just once in their opening four games of the season.

Paqueta, who came up against his new club in the Europa League quarter-finals last season, is raring to get started.

“I’m extremely happy to be here. I hope it’s the beginning of an enjoyable journey. I hope my time here is successful,” he told the club’s official website.

“Last season, West Ham had a very good season. And I hope they continue to enjoy more and more good seasons in my time at the club.”

After starting his career at Flamengo, Paqueta moved to Europe when he joined AC Milan in 2019.

He spent two seasons in Serie A but only managed one goal in 37 league outings for the Rossoneri before landing a move to Lyon.

There his form improved, hitting 21 goals in 80 games across all competitions. He also locked down his spot in the Brazil squad during that time.

Moyes hails Paqueta signing

“I’m delighted to welcome Lucas to West Ham,” said Moyes.

“He’s a player I’ve admired from afar for a very long time and of course, we saw him close up in our Europa League campaign last season.

“He’s a very talented footballer and whilst he will need time to adapt to the Premier League, we’re excited about adding another proven international to our squad.”

Born in Brazil, but now East London is his home.

Bem-vindo, @LucasPaqueta97! 😍🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/N5AaDQROPD

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 29, 2022

Paqueta is the latest addition to Moyes’ ranks following earlier summer moves for Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson Palmieri and Gianluca Scamacca.

He could be in line to make his Hammers debut against Spurs on Wednesday.

Ironically, Tottenham were tipped to hijack West Ham’s move for the player but now look set to face him.

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