Paquetá hints this could be his final season at West Ham

Lucas Paquetá appears to have signaled that this will be his final season at West Ham, posting a heartfelt message on Instagram this week pledging loyalty to the club for “one more season” after recent transfer speculation and a return to form on the pitch. The Brazilian midfielder made the post as he returned from international duty, and it follows a goalscoring run that has seen him hit the net for both Brazil and West Ham in recent weeks.

In the Instagram caption Paquetá wrote that the message was about “choosing those who welcomed you, who never judged you, who believed in you until the very last moment” and added “it’s not time to say goodbye yet! Let’s go together for one more season.” The post accompanied an image of him holding a West Ham shirt after scoring in the 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest before the international break, a game in which he famously kissed the club badge.

Reports over the summer suggested Paquetá was the subject of interest from Aston Villa and late approaches from Saudi Pro League clubs. Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the 28-year-old decided to remain at West Ham after turning down moves,...