Lucas Paqueta: A Long-Term Target, a Modest Fee and the Midfield Spark Newcastle United Desperately Need
Newcastle United’s summer transfer window has yet to catch fire. With pre-season nearing its final stages and the Premier League curtain-raiser just around the corner, Eddie Howe’s side remains worryingly light in key areas. The arrivals of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal represent smart business, but they are far from enough. With Sean Longstaff’s move to Leeds now confirmed and Joe Willock sidelined until at least October, the midfield cupboard is worryingly bare.
Newcastle need at least three more signings before the window closes, and arguably the most urgent of those is a central midfielder. Which brings us, once again, to Lucas Paqueta.
It’s a name that has hovered around St. James’ Park for some time. Paqueta was on Newcastle’s radar as far back as 2022. His close relationship with Bruno Guimaraes has long made the idea of a reunion appealing, both for the players and the fans. But despite repeated interest, Newcastle never quite pulled the trigger. Now, with a reported asking price of just £30 million and all legal issues resolved, the case for Paqueta is more compelling than ever.
Free to Move
Last summer, Manchester City were reportedly prepared to bid £80 million for the Brazilian before his alleged involvement in a betting scandal put everything on hold. That investigation has now been formally closed, and Paqueta has been fully cleared of any wrongdoing. The pathway is clear for a move and the drop in price is significant.
Whether City reignite their interest remains to be seen, but Newcastle should not wait to find out. At £30 million, Paqueta represents excellent value for a player entering his prime at 27 and with three strong Premier League seasons behind him.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Let’s talk data. In the 2024-25 season for West Ham, Paqueta made 33 Premier League appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 0 assists, a dip from the 4 goals and 6 assists of the previous season, but given the ongoing betting allegations and playing under a manager who’s idea of a wild Friday night is ironing his socks, Graeme Potter, it can be chalked off as a one off bad season . But it’s under the surface where his quality becomes most evident.
He ranks highly for his progressive passes and progressive passes received, successful take-ons, touches in the penalty area and xG. In simple terms, get is highly involved in the final third, can beat his man and gets a hat full of chances.
Paqueta brings more than numbers though. He brings creativity, swagger, and positional flexibility. He can play as a No. 8, a No. 10, or even as a left-sided attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setup. For a Newcastle side looking to manage European ambitions alongside domestic consistency, that versatility matters.
Crucially, he ranks among the league’s best in high-pressure scenarios. His press resistance, combined with his eye for a line-breaking pass, would offer a different dimension to Newcastle’s midfield, especially with Tonali doing similar whist operating slightly deeper.
A Reunion Worth Fighting For
The off-field benefits are obvious too. Paqueta is best friends with Guimaraes, with the two maintaining a close relationship since their Lyon days. Guimaraes has made no secret of his desire to play alongside his compatriot again, a dynamic that could bring the best out of both. Newcastle have often spoken of creating the right “culture” at the club. Few signings could embody that better than bringing in a player who combines technical brilliance with camaraderie and Premier League experience.
Time to Move
There’s one more reason this move needs to happen, urgency. With Manchester City lurking and other top clubs keeping tabs, Newcastle cannot afford to dither. The price is right. The timing is perfect. The squad needs it.
This isn’t a luxury addition, it’s a necessity. And one that fits the long-term vision of the club.
Newcastle have admired Paqueta from afar for years. This summer, the opportunity is right in front of them. If the club wants to make a statement, if it wants to energise the fanbase, and if it wants to give Eddie Howe a midfield capable of competing on multiple fronts, signing Lucas Paqueta is the move to make.
