Lucas Paquetá’s €42m exit to Flamengo leaves West Ham scrambling for midfield reinforcements, with Nicola Zalewski linked as a potential replacement. For punters, expect West Ham relegation odds to shorten while markets may resist backing an instant points boost unless Zalewski signs — consider betting on relegation markets or cautious match-by-match props until reinforcements arrive.
Paquetá exit leaves West Ham facing midfield crisis
Lucas Paquetá has completed a €42 million move to Flamengo, handing West Ham a major selection headache as the club battles to avoid relegation. The Brazilian’s departure removes the Irons’ chief creative spark and piles pressure on manager Nuno Espírito Santo to find immediate solutions in a transfer window that is closing fast.
Zalewski emerges as the most talked-about replacement
West Ham have made enquiries about Atalanta’s Nicola Zalewski as they search for a player who can occupy Paquetá’s creative role. The 24-year-old has impressed in Serie A this season and offers the versatility to play centrally or out wide — attributes that appeal to a side in urgent need of attacking variety.
Profile and recent form
Zalewski joined Atalanta from Roma in the summer of 2025 for around €17 million and has become a regular starter. This season he has contributed one goal and three assists in 18 Serie A appearances, showing consistency rather than prolific scoring. His dribbling, positional flexibility and work rate stand out.
Why he could suit Nuno’s side
Zalewski’s ability to operate as an attacking midfielder or winger fits the tactical demands of Nuno’s system, which values high tempo and industrious wide play. His European experience and willingness to press would complement the squad’s recent additions and help offset the creative gap left by Paquetá.
Significant obstacles to any deal
Atalanta are not obliged to sell mid-season and will seek a significant profit on a player signed last summer whose contract runs until 2029. Convincing a Champions League regular to drop into a relegation scrap is a tough sell, and West Ham’s precarious league position weakens their bargaining power. There is currently no formal bid on the table.
Relegation fight context
West Ham sit 18th and are five points adrift of safety despite recent victories over Tottenham and Sunderland. The board faces a dilemma: reinvest Paquetá’s fee now to chase survival, or hold fire given the financial and sporting risks of a January swoop.
Transfer window timing and market implications
With the January window closing imminently, the Hammers must move quickly if they intend to bring in a high-profile replacement. Any late scramble could force overpayment, while failure to secure reinforcements would leave Nuno to rely on the current squad for the run-in.
Betting angles and what punters should consider
The sale of Paquetá is likely to shift betting markets. West Ham’s outright relegation odds may shorten as uncertainty grows over immediate replacements.
Punters should be cautious about backing a short-term improvement unless a confirmed signing arrives; match-by-match props (clean sheets, goalscorers) and relegation markets offer clearer value until the transfer picture stabilizes.
West Ham continue January overhaul with double contract termination
West Ham United have officially lost their key creative player, Lucas Paquetá, to Flamengo in a €42 million deal. This leaves manager Nuno Espírito Santo with a massive problem in his midfield. Th...
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