Newcastle United could soon find themselves at the center of a major transfer storm, with reports suggesting a £60 million deal could be on the table for Lucas Paquetá this January.
The Brazilian playmaker, who currently plies his trade at West Ham United, is believed to be seeking a new challenge, and a move to St James’ Park could reignite his close friendship with Newcastle’s midfield maestro, Bruno Guimarães.
The two shared a strong bond during their time together at Lyon, and fans have long dreamed of seeing them reunite in black and white stripes.
Newcastle’s interest in Paquetá is nothing new. The club scouted him extensively in 2022 before he made the switch to West Ham for £51 million. While manager Eddie Howe has always admired the Brazilian’s flair and creativity, the Magpies ultimately chose to prioritize other signings at the time.
However, circumstances have changed. With Newcastle now looking to bolster their squad to compete both domestically and in Europe, a player of Paquetá’s pedigree could be the kind of signing that makes a statement in the January transfer window.
Paquetá’s journey in English football has been a rollercoaster. He helped West Ham lift the Europa Conference League in 2023, cementing his reputation as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the Premier League.
Yet, his time in London has also been clouded by off-field controversy. A lengthy FA investigation into alleged betting breaches threatened to derail his career, but after being cleared of all wrongdoing, he’s ready to focus on football once again.
Despite that, the relationship between Paquetá and West Ham seems to have cooled, and reports suggest he’s ready to move on.
The Brazilian came close to leaving the Hammers last summer, with Aston Villa almost securing him on loan with an obligation to buy for £47 million.
That deal fell through, but interest in Paquetá has not faded. With his contract set to run until 2027 and West Ham facing the threat of relegation, a sale could make sense for both parties.
His weekly wage of around £150,000 is substantial, but still within Newcastle’s pay structure, particularly for a player who could bring creativity, experience, and flair to their midfield.
Eddie Howe faces a delicate decision. While Newcastle’s midfield is already packed with talent, opportunities to sign a player of Paquetá’s caliber rarely come along.
His understanding with Bruno could instantly enhance Newcastle’s attacking rhythm, while his versatility would add depth and competition. Still, the Magpies’ recruitment policy under PIF has largely focused on younger talents with long-term potential, so convincing the board to invest heavily in a 28-year-old might not be straightforward.
Beyond Paquetá, Newcastle are also being linked with rising Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordóñez from Club Brugge. The 21-year-old fits the club’s preferred transfer model perfectly young, talented, and full of promise.
He has already attracted attention from Aston Villa and Liverpool, but Newcastle’s scouting team has reportedly been impressed by his composure and potential.
Ordóñez began his career at Independiente before joining Club NXT in Belgium for £3.5 million and later moving up to Club Brugge in 2023. His performances in the Belgian Pro League have earned him international recognition, and his aggressive yet intelligent defensive style has made him one of South America’s most exciting exports in Europe.
In another development, former Newcastle reserve coach Adam Sadler has left Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ surprising exit earlier this week. Sadler, who worked closely with players like Tim Krul, Andy Carroll, and Fraser Forster during his time at St James’ Park, has been a long-time associate of Rodgers.
The pair previously worked together at Leicester City, and it’s expected that Sadler will follow Rodgers to his next managerial post, with the Wolves job reportedly on the horizon.
As January approaches, Newcastle appear poised for another eventful transfer window. Whether they reignite their pursuit of Lucas Paquetá or opt for a younger target like Joel Ordóñez, one thing is certain the Magpies are ready to make moves that will strengthen their push for success both in England and on the European stage.
