West Ham United have announced the Club record signing of Brazil international Lucas Paquetá on a long term deal.
The attacking midfielder has joined the Hammers on a five-year deal with a one-year option for reported fee of £51 million from Olympique Lyonnais.
The 25-year-old has been capped 33 times by Brazil, won the Copa América in 2019 and has starred for Flamengo in his home city of Rio de Janeiro, AC Milan and Lyon.
“I am extremely happy to be here. I hope it’s the beginning of an enjoyable journey. I hope my time here is successful,” said the South American, who will wear the No11 shirt in Claret and Blue.
“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.” The highly rated star said.
Manager David Moyes hailed Paquetá’s all-round qualities, and his arrival as a statement of intent
“I’m delighted to welcome Lucas to West Ham, 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.” said Moyes.
Paquetá has become West Ham’s eighth signing of the summer window, following Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmieri, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Alphonse Areola and Flynn Downes.