Hammers smash club-record fee to sign Brazil midfielder Paqueta

West Ham have completed the club-record signing of Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta from Lyon for a reported £51million.

The fee for the 33-cap international is bigger than the £45m the Hammers spent on forward Sebastien Haller back in 2019.

Paqueta, 25, is the London club's eighth senior signing of the summer and the highly-rated star has been handed a five-year deal in East London.

The midfielder said: "I am extremely happy to be here. I hope it’s the beginning of an enjoyable journey. I hope my time here is successful.

"Last season, West Ham had a very good campaign and I hope they continue to enjoy more and more good seasons in my time at the club. 

"I am excited to pull on the West Ham shirt and show the fans what I can do, to help my team-mates and the club."

Paqueta made 80 appearances for Lyon after joining from AC Milan for £17m in 2020.

And West Ham boss David Moyes was thrilled to add a player he saw close up during his side's run to the Europa League semi-finals last term to his squad.

The Scot said: "He’s a player I’ve admired from afar for a very long time. And of course, we saw him close up in our Europa League campaign last season. 

"He’s a very talented footballer and while he will need time to adapt to the Premier League, we’re excited about adding another proven international to our squad."