West Ham announce signing of Brazil international attacker Lucas Paqueta from Lyon in five-year deal

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Brazilian attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta. 

Paqueta, who turned 25 on Saturday, has joined the Hammers from French club Lyon on a five-year deal, with an additional one-year option,  according to the club’s website. 

West Ham’s new number 11 said: ‘I am extremely happy to be here. I hope it’s the beginning of an enjoyable journey. I hope my time here is successful.

‘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.

‘I am excited to pull on the West Ham shirt and show the fans what I can do, to help my team-mates and the Club.’

Paqueta played for Lyon against West Ham in the London club’s Europa League campaign

While the club did not officially confirm a price, cryptically confirming ‘an undisclosed record fee’, it was previously reported by MailOnline that it was a deal in the region of £51m including add-ons. 

West Ham came up against Paqueta’s Lyon in last year’s Europa League, with the London club winning 4-1 on aggregate to progress to the semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Eintracht Frankfurt.  

‘I’m delighted to welcome Lucas to West Ham,’ West Ham manager David Moyes said.

‘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.’

Paqueta started at Flamengo, before moving to AC MIlan, Lyon, and now the London Stadium

Moyes will be looking to add to West Ham’s options going forward on the pitch, with just one win in their opening four matches this season.  

Paqueta started his career coming through the youth set up at his native Flamengo, before joining AC Milan in 2019. 

He switched to Lyon in 2020, where his form improved, and he found himself in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for his first season in the squad. 

His performances also drew the attention of the Brazil squad, securing his place. He has made 33 appearances for the national team so far since his debut in 2018.

Paqueta has made 33 appearances for the Brazilian national side since his debut in 2018

His nickname originates from Paqueta Island, which is in Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, where the 25-year-old grew up in Brazil. 

Paqueta becomes David Moyes’ eighth signing this summer at West Ham, alongside goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, defenders Nayef Aguerd, Thilo Kehrer and Emerson Palmieri, and attackers Gianluca Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet.

West Ham finally secured their first points of the Premier League season by beating Aston Villa on Sunday, and have also secured their way to the group stages of the UEFA Conference League.