Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Jacobs claims Paqueta wants a move but transfer will be difficult

|
Image for Newcastle United: Jacobs claims Paqueta wants a move but transfer will be difficult

Reported Newcastle United transfer target Lucas Paqueta is looking for a new challenge – but clubs will find it hard to agree on a deal with Lyon, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs. 

While the Magpies have already completed the transfer for Sven Botman and fought hard for Hugo Ekitike before he moved to PSG, one of their biggest links has been with Paqueta, but any sort of deal is yet to be agreed.

In line with this, Jacobs believes getting a deal done with the French giants will be difficult, but insists that Paqueta does in fact want to move on and find a fresh challenge at a new club.

Jacobs told NUFC Matters: “Paqueta wants a fresh challenge – so that’s the positive. So there is a window of opportunity for any suitor if they choose to act. The challenge is going to be about agreeing a deal with Lyon.

“What complicates that challenge even more is that Jean-Michel Aulas may be saying that he’s willing to sell, but John Textor is the American incoming majority owner at Lyon who doesn’t yet have a say – but will soon. And he’s the one that has stated on record that Lyon are going to compete with PSG, which is a massive claim.

“So I don’t think Textor wants Paqueta to go.”

1 of 8

How well do you remember Newcastle's January transfer window? An easy one to start with: where did Newcastle sign Bruno Guimaraes from?

TIF Thoughts on Jacobs’ comments…

While both Newcastle and Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Brazilian midfielder, his club are reportedly looking for a fee of around £68m in order to attain Paqueta’s services.

They have no obligation to sell the player and therefore are trying their hardest to get the best possible fee out of an eventual buyer. There is no doubt Newcastle have the money to bring him in if they wanted, and having already signed his former teammate Bruno Guimaraes, Paqueta would already know a friendly face at the club.

Last season, he picked up an impressive 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions while ranking in the 94th percentile for progressive passes received, the 90th for passes attempted per game and in the 87th for progressive passes made compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues (as per FBref).

The Brazilian could make an immediate impact at Newcastle, and the Premier League would certainly prove to be a new and interesting challenge for him if he was to make the switch.

Will Paqueta leave Lyon?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Share this article