This time last year, Lucas Paqueta was the talk of the Toon. He was the one player Newcastle United fans wanted to see arrive during the summer transfer window of 2022.
Fast forward to June 2023 and Paqueta is preparing for a European cup final with West Ham United.
Despite relentless links with a move to St James’ Park, it was the Hammers who were able to sign Paqueta last summer. They completed a £51million deal for the Brazilian, as they swooped in to sign the man who Toon fans wanted to see in a black and white shirt.
The chance to see Paqueta play alongside his pal Bruno Guimaraes was tantalising, but a deal was seemingly never on the horizon. Eddie Howe has since admitted that while he is a talented player, the Magpies were never close to signing him.
After a slow start to life in London, the 25-year-old is finally starting to excel, and is proving why he would have been such a hit on Tyneside.
Declan Rice blown away by Lucas Paqueta
Ahead of the Europa Conference League final, Declan Rice has spoke to the Athletic about Paqueta, and explained why he is now so special after initially struggling to settle.
“He’s incredible, honestly, absolutely incredible,” he said.
“It’s obviously taken him a while to settle into the Premier League and into the training ground, moving his family over. But I think now you’re seeing the real Lucas. Some of the stuff he does, even in training, it’s just mind-boggling how good he is.
“It’s just the confidence he’s got and the time he creates for himself on the ball. The confidence he has in his ability to beat players and do mad skills. If we (his teammates) tried that, we’d have no chance. You’re starting to see the best of him now, so long may it continue.”
One that got away for Newcastle
His first few months at West Ham suggested that Newcastle had not missed out, but Paqueta now looks like the real deal in claret and blue. His partnership with Rice, another Toon target, is exceptional, and a big reason why the Hammers are on the brink of European glory.
It just shows how every players adapts to the Premier League differently. Our recent international signings have all hit the ground running, with Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman not taking much time at all to settle into Premier League life. However, it has not been as straightforward for Paqueta.
Now it looks like he is one who got away for the Magpies, with Howe missing out on the chance to add to his Brazilian contingent.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
