West Ham's WORLD-CLASS opportunity: Paqueta replacement available for €12m

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 4 Mar 2024 09:22 GMT
• 3 min read

West Ham face a fight to keep Lucas Paqueta amid interest from Manchester City this summer, but David Moyes’ side could replace the Brazilian with a world-class bargain.

FootballTransfers has exclusively reported on City’s interest in Paqueta in the past, but if the Brazil international does depart, the type of excitement that he brings to the team could potentially be replaced by Roma’s Paulo Dybala, even if they do play differing roles.

Fabrizio Romano has stated that Dybala has a release clause in his current contract worth just €12 million.

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Roma are working hard to eradicate this clause from his contract, yet for the moment landing the 30-year-old, who has 12 goals in 19 Serie A matches this season, for next to nothing is a real possibility.

Chelsea have been linked with the Argentine, yet he is far from the age profile that the Blues have targeted in the transfer market under Todd Boehly, casting doubt over just how interested they are.

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Dybala to West Ham?

Most excitingly for West Ham, the data shows that they would be an excellent move for Dybala.

Data analytics experts SciSports show that the Hammers are one of the best transfer options for the 30-year-old.

Using its Career Advice tool, which gives clubs a score based on a variety of factors ranging from potential development and playing time to formation and style, the Hammers represent the fourth-best team that Dybala could move to.

And looking at the clubs above them, none are likely to be eyeing Dybala.

Aston Villa already have Ollie Watkins, Real Madrid and moving for Kylian Mbappe and PSG are targeting a different profile of striker.

West Ham, meanwhile, have been in the market for an additional forward since last summer and could sell themselves to Dybala by giving him the opportunity to play Premier League football for the first time in his career.

Being based in London would also doubtless be an attraction for the forward, while the Hammers are also heading for European football again next season.

If Dybala decides he wants to give up Roma in the summer, West Ham could be a very smart move.