Newcastle United were heavily linked with signing Lucas Paqueta during the summer, but Eddie Howe has admitted that a deal was ‘never close’.
A lot of Toon fans were eager to see the Brazilian move to St James’ Park and link up with Bruno Guimaraes, with the pair very close friends after playing together at Lyon.
It was reported in the Times that Newcastle were prepared to splash out Paqueta, and were willing to break their transfer record to bring him to the North East.
Bruno had previously said that Paqueta is his ‘dream‘ Newcastle signing and a fee of £50million was rumoured, but a move was not fortcoming.
The 25-year-old did arrive in the Premier League, but joined West Ham instead. He cost £51million from Lyon, but has struggled to have the desired impact at the London Stadium, with the Hammers currently in a relegation battle.
Eddie Howe admits Lucas Paqueta to Newcastle was ‘never close’
Ahead of Newcastle’s clash with West Ham, Toon boss Howe was asked about the Magpies’ interest in Paqueta. He set the record straight on rumours of a move to St James’ Park, but did heap praise on the attacking midfielder.
“It was never close, but we certainly admire the player greatly,” Howe told Newcastle World.
“There are loads of different reasons (it didn’t happen), transfer fees etc. He’s an outstanding talent and plays in a number of positions.
“He gives West Ham something totally different in the middle of the pitch. We’re certainly preparing for a tough game, because him and Rice are excellent players.”
Paqueta won’t face his best friend at St James’ Park
Howe expects Newcastle to face a tough game up against the likes of Paqueta, and he will be without his star man.
Bruno is suspended for the game at St James’ Park, meaning that he won’t be involved in a midfield battle with his close friend. That certainly would have been an interesting duel.
The Newcastle manger will almost certainly have a plan to nullify Paqueta, as he is clearly aware of his talents – despite not bringing him to Tyneside during the summer.
He would have been an exciting addition, and it would have been interesting to see if he would have performed better in a black and white shirt. He certainly would have been adored straightaway given his friendship with Bruno, and he was a player who fans were desperate to sign.
Now the Toon Army are finally going to see Paqueta up close, and will be able to decide whether or not we missed out last summer.
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