West Ham United

James Jones
Fan writer

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Lucas Paqueta's days at West Ham have been numbered ever since he was on the verge of joining Manchester City in 2023.

Spot-fixing allegations prevented that move from going through before a two-year investigation, which ended last year with the Brazil international being cleared of any wrongdoing.

But the two-year episode clearly affected the 28-year-old's form on the pitch and West Ham's struggles during that period have also been well documented.

It was reported that the midfielder was on the verge of joining Aston Villa last summer, but he opted to remain in east London, expressing his desire to repay faith in the club for their support during his fight against the FA's allegations.

But Paqueta's time at West Ham looks to have finally reached an end, with fresh reports claiming he asked not to play in the Hammers' FA Cup third-round victory over QPR on Sunday amid interest from Brazilian club Flamengo.

It's claimed the Brazil international wants a move back to his homeland after growing disillusioned with life in England.

Indeed, this presents something of a dilemma for West Ham. With Nuno Espirito Santo's side seven points adrift of Premier League safety, the squad is going to need all the help it can get between now and May, while the winter transfer window is notoriously difficult to upgrade players in key positions.

But the facts are clear where Paqueta is concerned and this should help sway the club's decision-making. The former Lyon star's assist in a recent 2-2 draw with Brighton was his first since March 2024 - a run of 62 games. For a player in the team for his creativity, that is a dire run of form.

During his entire West Ham Premier League career, he has picked up more cards (30) than he has goal contributions (26).

He's struggled for form and has become something of a disciplinary unreliability. Can West Ham risk putting all their faith in an unhappy and unreliable player to help keep them in the league?

It's probably time we cashed in on Paqueta, especially if he wants to leave. It's sad to see him leave under these circumstances, but Nuno needs happy and committed players in his squad and Paqueta is no longer one of them.

Find more from James Jones at We Are West Ham, external

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The draw for the FA Cup fourth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties involving Premier League teams in the order they were drawn.

The matches will be played over the weekend of 14 February.

• Liverpool/Barnsley v Brighton

• Stoke City v Fulham

• Oxford United v Sunderland

• Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

• Hull City v Chelsea

• Burton Albion v West Ham

• Burnley v Mansfield Town

• Grimsby Town v Wolves

• Aston Villa v Newcastle

• Manchester City v Salford City/Swindon Town

• Macclesfield v Brentford

• Birmingham City v Leeds

See the full draw

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether West Ham should look to cash in on Lucas Paqueta this month or refuse to sanction a sale.

Here are some of your comments:

Jason: I think he has had enough and it's down to the accusations of spot-fixing. He's not been the same player since winning the Conference League. We have some great memories and I wish him well. We need some battling players now.

Kevin: If he has any thoughts of leaving he should go. We need fighters who are going to give 100% every game. We don't have many - only Bowen, Soucek and the lads that have come through the academy. A lot of our goals stem from him losing the ball then rolling around on the floor. There are flashes of brilliance, but they have never been often enough and are minimal now.

Barry: We should keep him until the end of the season and then allow him to go back to Brazil if there is a reasonable offer on the table. If we are going to try to fight for survival, we will need a player with his ability in the team. If we sell him now we are just giving up.

Roger: He is the reason I renewed my season ticket - our only player with flair and can do something different. I know he hasn't been at his best this season, but we keep selling our best players.

Pete: Cash in. No longer a key player and hasn't improved since his FA case was resolved. Use the money to buy a centre-back.

Jon: It's looking more and more likely we'll be relegated at the end of this season. I would sell sooner rather than later. If he stays or goes, I doubt it'll make much difference to our chances of survival.

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham are reluctant to sanction a sale for Lucas Paqueta this month amid interest in the player from Brazil, reports BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel.

Sources have indicated that at least two clubs in Paqueta's homeland, one of which is Flamengo, have shown an interest in the Brazil international in this transfer window.

Paqueta has 18 months remaining on his contract and is expected to leave West Ham either this month or in the summer.

It is understood Flamengo would be willing to table an offer of about £35m.

What do you think the Hammers should do? Should they cash in now for a good price, or is he too important to lose in the battle for Premier League survival?

Get in touch with your views here

We asked for your views on West Ham's FA Cup victory over QPR on Sunday.

Here are some of your comments:

Sue: The players have lost confidence and seem to be scared of letting the opposition in. They need a couple of wins to start believing in themselves again. I think the new signings will help.

Mick: These two teams will meet again next season. An injury depleted QPR team didn't look out of place. Bowen needs to move on.

Bob: Great win and the FA Cup is a good distraction. We have got 17 cup finals in the league to come starting at Tottenham on Saturday and we need to win these games as a draw is not good enough anymore. Nuno's speaking all the right words but can he deliver?

Dave: At last a lucky win. Another sub-standard performance from a team whose three centre backs don't have a clue. Summerville was great and our new centre forwards look good too, but we still need Mr. Reliable to come on and help out the team. We still need centre backs and a keeper. Strange thing is unless the useless board and manager don't get us winning we will be playing QPR next season.

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The 2025-26 FA Cup fourth-round draw will take place on Monday, 12 January at approximately 18:35 GMT.

Proceedings will take place before kick-off in the third-round tie between Liverpool and Barnsley at Anfield.

Former England internationals Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole will conduct the draw that will consist of 32 teams live on TNT Sports.

Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.

All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 14 February.

Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.

Non-league Macclesfield are the lowest-ranked team in the draw after beating holders Crystal Palace in a remarkable 2-1 victory.

What are the ball numbers?

• 1. Wolverhampton Wanderers

• 2. Southampton

• 3. Aston Villa

• 4. Port Vale

• 5. Wigan Athletic

• 6. Ipswich Town

• 7. Wrexham

• 8. Chelsea

• 9. Manchester City

• 10. West Ham United

• 11. Brentford

• 12. Fulham

• 13. Sunderland

• 14. Liverpool or Barnsley

• 15. Burnley

• 16. Norwich City

• 17. Arsenal

• 18. Leeds United

• 19. West Bromwich Albion

• 20. Salford City or Swindon Town

• 21. Burton Albion

• 22. Grimsby Town

• 23. Hull City

• 24. Newcastle United

• 25. Oxford United

• 26. Leicester City

• 27. Birmingham City

• 28. Bristol City

• 29. Stoke City

• 30. Macclesfield

• 31. Brighton & Hove Albion

• 32. Mansfield Town

Pundits Dion Dublin and Phil Jones join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's FA Cup ties.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to selected full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Derby County 1-3 Leeds United

• Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal

• Norwich City 5-1 Walsall

• West Ham United 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

Image source, Getty Images

This was not a free-scoring victory to boost confidence and provide a template for the remainder of the season.

It was scrappy and uncomfortable at times but far better than the alternative for West Ham, who sit seven points from safety in the Premier League.

Castellanos, playing his second game for the club, will steal the headlines. His header was clinical but, in truth, it was Summerville who provided the spark the Hammers required.

The hosts, who made six changes including leaving out Lucas Paqueta while retaining Jarrod Bowen, did not have a shot in the first 32 minutes until Summerville tested QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh. He then powered beyond Walsh with effectively the last kick of the opening half.

To their credit, West Ham responded well to QPR's equaliser, though the travelling fans were still singing: "Premier League, you're having a laugh."

As the game stretched, Summerville tested Walsh with a curling low strike and then produced a clever turn to put himself in down the left.

It allowed him the space to tee up Castellanos, who was not to be denied.

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to TNT Sports: "It feels every good for our fans, for our boys who have been working hard. It's been a very good day."

On what pleased him the most: "The fight, I thought it was very good, there were spells not so good, but the right belief and the character was always there."

On Konstantinos Mavropanos' injury: "It was a neck injury, he is being assess now so we will see."

On the goal before half-time: "It was important before half-time, it was important to go in at half-time leading the score."

Did you know?

• West Ham United have ended a run of 10 games in all competitions without a win, while they've progressed beyond the third round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2022-23.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of West Ham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Under pressure West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has made six changes and switched to a back five for this tie against QPR.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back after Afcon. There's no Lucas Paqueta or Mateus Fernandes. 18-year-old Ezra Mayers makes his first start.

QPR, meanwhile, make four changes after a string of injuries, including top scorer Rumarn Burrell who is out until March.

West Ham XI: Hermansen, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Kilman, Mayers, Magassa, Potts, Bowen, Summerville, Castellanos

QPR XI: Walsh, Mbengue, Dunne, Cook, Norrington-Davies, Dembele, Madsen, Hayden, Saito, Kolli, Kone.

There are eight third-round ties in the FA Cup on Sunday - as Premier League and Championship teams enter the competition - and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Derby v Leeds (12:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Derby & BBC Radio Leeds

• Portsmouth v Arsenal (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Radio Solent

• Hull v Blackburn (14:30) - BBC Radio Humberside & BBC Radio Lancashire

• Norwich v Walsall (14:30) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Norfolk & BBC Radio WM

• Sheff Utd v Mansfield (14:30) - BBC Radio Sheffield & BBC Radio Nottingham

• Swansea v West Brom (14:30)

• West Ham v QPR (14:30) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Radio London

• Man Utd v Brighton (16:30) - BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Sussex

Kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

And find out how to follow the FA Cup across the BBC this weekend here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Derby County v Leeds United" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Portsmouth v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

This is a must-win for West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo and, let's face it, they might sack him anyway even if he gets past QPR.

I don't think home advantage helps the Hammers, who suffered a catastrophic defeat by Nottingham Forest at the London Stadium on Tuesday. I'm not sure how many of their fans will turn up for this game, and the ones who do are not going to be in a good mood either.

But while West Ham have been very poor recently, they still have some good players and they should surely still see off a mid-table Championship team on their own patch.

QPR have been knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup more times - 52 - than any other side since the current format of the competition started 100 years ago.

I am going for them to suffer defeat number 53, and for Nuno to survive a little bit longer.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Boreham Wood have signed full-back Junior Robinson on loan from West Ham United for the rest of the season and agreed a permanent deal for Barnet defender Ollie Kensdale.

Robinson, 21, has played six times for the Premier League club's under-21 side in the EFL Trophy and has also had previous loan spells at Sutton United and Scottish club Livingston.

He made his Scottish Premiership debut against Rangers at Ibrox in November.

Kensdale, who was previously with Southend United, made 10 appearances for Barnet this season after joining them from Eastbourne Borough.

Boreham Wood are in FA Cup third-round action on Saturday at home to Burton Albion from League One (15:00 GMT).

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's FA Cup game against QPR at the London Stadium (kick-off 14:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Besides Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who completed "a light session" on Friday, the only other injury news is "knocks, normal situations" that West Ham have to assess.

• On the disappointment of Forest defeat: "We can speak about the reasons for our loss but they're things that we can't control and unfortunately, it's not because of referees that we are in this situation. Things are going against us in many moments."

• Nuno advises not to "obsess about the gap" that exists between the Hammers and Premier League safety: "There are 17 games to go - a lot of football to be played. I believe it is possible."

• On what he is looking for in new recruits this month: "The main objective, beside the quality and talent of the players, is for them to be motivated and committed to join us."

• On West Ham's transfer strategy: "It's not thinking about the future, it's not thinking about anything else - it's just who can join us and help us."

• On the transfer status of Callum Wilson, James Ward-Prowse and Mads Hermansen: "We have honest conversations with all the players when it's the right moment."

• On Crysencio Summerville, whose first 'goal' of the season was ruled out against Forest: "He's still looking for that goal. It's not only about the goal - it's about how he plays. He's a talented player that needs to exploit his actions better."

• On the importance of this season's FA Cup: "The FA Cup is a good chance to win a football match, which we need. Everything is different when you win. You recover faster, you're more happy."

Listen to live commentary of Sunday's game from 14:30 GMT on BBC Radio London and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Find out how to follow all of the FA Cup action this weekend here

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

We have only just gone past the halfway stage of the Premier League season, so how much can really be read into predictions?

For supporters of Wolves, Burnley and West Ham, they will be hoping not very much.

Leeds and Nottingham Forest, however? They would breathe a bit more easily.

Throughout the season, Opta's "supercomputer" is continually predicting how the final table might look and what percentage chance clubs have of winning the title, finishing top four, in Europe and also relegation.

But for those teams currently occupying the relegation spots in the Premier League, they may want to avert their gaze.

Having only just picked up their first win last weekend, most Wolves fans will have been settled on the fact they would be returning to the Championship come the end of the season.

And Opta's predictions would suggest the same.

Of course, 14 points off 17th place with 17 games to go, it is still very much mathematically possible to save themselves - and with five points in three games there has been an uptick in form - but with a predicted chance of survival of just 0.73%, it would take something incredibly special.

Burnley's return to the top flight has not been the easiest.

While the Clarets have been picking up points, it has not been at the rate needed to get themselves out of the danger zone.

Another point was accrued against Manchester United on Wednesday night, taking them one point behind West Ham in 18th but, with Nottingham Forest's win over the Hammers on Tuesday, it still leaves Burnley eight points off safety.

Like Wolves, Opta's statistics and simulations suggest Scott Parker's side will be back in the second tier next term, with just a 6.59% survival chance unless they can start turning more draws into wins and eking out points from the narrow defeats.

As for West Ham, the defeat by Forest could prove to be one of the most damaging for their season.

A classic six-pointer, a win could have seen them close the gap to just one point. Instead, it sits at seven and sees them with a now 88.76% chance of relegation.

The change of manager from Graham Potter to Nuno Espirito Santo is yet to have the desired effect and both the head coach and the ownership are coming under pressure from the fanbase.

It was pressure that Daniel Farke was feeling at Leeds before their turnaround in results that has left them with just a 7.49% chance of relegation, while Sean Dyche may once again be steering a team to Premier League safety with a less than 10% chance of dropping out of the top flight.

But this is the Premier League, and teams have upset the odds before.

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

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August 2026 will mark 10 years since West Ham United's first game at London Stadium after departing Upton Park. If their current form continues, it is an anniversary that will be 'celebrated' in the Championship.

The Hammers are now winless in 10 Premier League games, seven points adrift of safety in 18th, with Nuno Espirito Santo's side registering just 11 points from a possible 48 since the Portuguese took over in September 2025.

Fan unrest has centred on that unpopular stadium move, with the club's ownership, spearheaded by David Sullivan, also under fire for "poor recruitment" and "overall mismanagement".

Since the 2023 summer transfer window, where the Hammers netted £100m from Arsenal for England midfielder Declan Rice in the aftermath of their Conference League triumph, the east London club have spent £417.3m on signings, while netting £262.4m in sales.

That net spend of £154.9m proves the ownership have not necessarily been shy in backing Moyes and his successors (Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter, and now Nuno), but the return on that outlay has not always been good.

One success story was Mohammed Kudus. The Ghana forward, signed from Ajax for £38m, scored 19 goals in 80 games before departing for Tottenham Hotspur, who forked out £55m last summer.

Others have fared less well; Niclas Fullkrug (£27m) found the net just three times in 29 appearances before being loaned out to AC Milan, while the jury is still out on Mateus Fernandes, who cost £38m from Southampton last summer.

Striker Evan Ferguson's short loan spell from Brighton last season yielded precisely zero goals.

Defensive worries abound for Nuno, who is without a clean sheet in his 16 games in charge. Spending £40m on Max Kilman on a seven-year deal under Lopetegui raised eyebrows at the time, and his numbers are not kind.

West Ham have conceded 106 goals in the 60 games the ex-Wolves man has played. Alongside him, it has been a tricky season for £34m Frenchman Jean-Clair Todibo.

The past two Januarys have been quiet for the Irons, with players only arriving on loan .

There seems to have been a gear change this month, with two permanent deals already completed for strikers Pablo Felipe from Gil Vicente for £21.8m and Taty Castellanos from Lazio for a reported £26m.

Hammers fans will be hoping the pair can fire them up the table.

Pundits Danny Murphy and Stephen Warnock are on hand to bring you the action and talking points from the nine Premier League fixtures so far this week.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here