West Ham have broken their transfer record after bringing in Brazil international Lucas Paqueta from Lyon.
The 25-year-old becomes the Hammers’ eighth new signing this summer, signing a contract until 2027 with a one-year option.
Boss David Moyes hopes the former AC Milan midfielder can help his side find the back of the net more consistently, with West Ham having managed just one goal in their first four matches in Premier League.
Paqueta, who faced his new club in the Europa League quarter-finals last season, is eager to get started.
“I am extremely happy to be here. I hope this is the start of a pleasant journey. I hope my stay here will be successful,” he told the club’s official website.
“Last season West Ham had a very good season and I hope they continue to enjoy more and more good seasons during my time at the club.”
After starting his career at Flamengo, Paqueta moved to Europe when he joined AC Milan in 2019.
He spent two seasons in Serie A but scored just one goal in 37 league appearances for the Rossoneri before securing a transfer to Lyon.
There his form improved, scoring 21 goals in 80 games in all competitions while securing his place in the Brazil squad.
“I am delighted to welcome Lucas to West Ham,” said Moyes.
“He’s a player I’ve admired from afar for a very long time and of course we saw him up close during our Europa League campaign last season.
“He is a very talented footballer and although he will need time to adjust to the Premier League, we are delighted to add another proven international to our squad.”
Paqueta is the latest addition to Moyes’ ranks following previous summer moves for Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola, Maxwel Cornet, Flynn Downes, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson Palmieri and Gianluca Scamacca.
He could be in line to make his West Ham debut in Wednesday night’s London derby at home to Tottenham.
