‘Could win the Ballon d’Or’: United urged to hijack City’s pursuit of £85m Premier League maestro



Former West Ham United midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has urged Manchester United to hijack Manchester City’s pursuit of Lucas Paqueta. 

The Brazilian was heavily linked with Pep Guardiola’s side last summer before a deal failed to materialise when Bernardo Silva decided to stay put.

However, fluctuating form for the reigning champions this term, which has them sitting third in the league, will seemingly lead to the board sanctioning more blockbuster signings at the end of the campaign.

Reports over the past week have suggested that personal terms are already agreed between City and Paqueta, who joined the Irons on a club-record £51 million fee from Lyon in 2022 and has played an integral role at the heart of David Moyes’ squad.

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola greets West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder #10 Lucas Paqueta during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Manchester City at the London Stadium

In 2023/2024 thus far, the 26-year-old maestro has notched eight goals and seven assists in all competitions. In the collection of matches that he’s been unavailable, his absence has been felt significantly – and it’s shown in the results.

Hammers stand to make £34m profit if they’re made to sell star man

Believed to have an £85m release clause included in his current terms, interested clubs are therefore well aware of what they’re getting themselves into if they pursue Paqueta in the coming months.

Reo-Coker believes that United have to throw themselves into the mix alongside their cross-city rivals, as he told BBC’s Radio 5 Live: “We talk about the players Man United have got rid of. If they had a plan and a direction, there are players out there they could get and then build for the future with some younger players.

“Another one out there is Paqueta at West Ham. He’s one who I think can get into any team and is one of the few players now in the modern game that could win the Ballon d’Or down the line.”

A bold prediction from the pundit at the end there, and not one I’d personally choose to stake any money on.