West Ham official in Portugal on Saturday – Working ahead of January transfer window
An official of West Ham United was present at FC Porto’s 2-1 win over Gil Vicente on Saturday, according to A Bola’s Sunday edition. The Portuguese newspaper reports that the Hammers are among a number of clubs who have sent their scouts to Porto ahead of January’s transfer window. However, it is possible that the plans for the club are more long-term.
At the end of last summer’s window, the club were linked with a move for Goncalo Bores. It was reported at the time that Porto would need around €15 million to let the 22 year old winger go.
He was brought on as a second-half substitute yesterday, but he was unable to make an impression.
A Bola’s top Porto players include keeper Diogo Costa with an 8/10 rating and left-back Wendell with 8/10.
Mehdi Taremi
A 31-year-old in July, Taremi would be an interesting option for West Ham, especially with his contract expiring in June. A move to AC Milan fell through in the summer, as the Italian giants offered wages well below Taremi’s market value. Taremi wasn’t desperate to leave Porto, so he decided to stay there for the season. Last season, he played in 51 matches, scoring 31 goals and assisting 14.
There were also officials from Manchester United and Leicester City, as well as Stoke City and Sevilla and Juventus.
In a related development:
West Ham have been hit by a fresh blow as a board source hit out at Lucas Paqueta. “There is no one better than Lucas Paqueta, and now he’s one of us,” the source said. “That’s why we love him so much.”
Even though Paqueta has been linked with a move to Manchester City this summer and had a meeting with manager Pep Guardiola last week, Hammers supporters have always stood behind him.
And yet, just last month, it was revealed that Paqueta is under investigation by the FA and FIFA for alleged betting offences. The charges, which Paqueta strenuously denies, could lead to a “multi-year ban” or even a “jail sentence” if found guilty.
Lucas Paqueta suffers new blow that will leave West Ham asking serious questions as board source hits out
“IF” is the key word here.
Since the allegations came to light, West Ham have rallied around Paqueta. He has started every game for the club and has delivered performances worthy of his new role as the club’s new talisman following Declan Rice’s departure.
Paqueta’s form has certainly not suffered as a result of the situation.
However, it appears that Paqueta is not receiving the same backing in Brazil as he does in England.
That is why Paqueta’s situation has taken another turn for the worse.
As a board source tells us, “Paqueta has been hit by another blow that will have West Ham scratching their heads.”
Brazil turn their back on West Ham’s Samba star
Following the investigation, Paqueta was excluded from the Brazilian squad for the upcoming September internationals. Despite West Ham’s unwavering support for the midfielder, who has featured in every game this season, it appears that Brazil have turned their backs on him. This is due to the fact that he has been omitted from the squad for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Uruguay, which were announced by coach Fernando Diniz last night. However, West Ham’s Brazilian superstar has not been included in the 23-man squad.
What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
West Ham’s board source, Sean Whetstone, has asked the question “What happened to ‘innocent until proven guilty’? ”
Whetstone, who cites Karren Brady, David Sullivan and others as his sources, said: “It looks like the Brazilian national team coach has pulled Hammer striker Lucas Paqueta out of his squad for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup (qualifiers) because of alleged betting irregularities, even though there is no proof of player involvement.
Many West Ham supporters, including manager David Moyes, may view this as a positive development, as it will provide Paqueta with the opportunity to rest and recuperate during a period of intense activity. Additionally, the fact that Paqueta does not play for Brazil reduces the likelihood of injury.
However, these established Brazilian players are passionate about playing for Brazil and wearing the iconic yellow jersey, so it is important to not underestimate the effect this could have on the player.
