Bailey claims club still in for Paqueta

According to Graeme Bailey, Newcastle United are still in the running to sign Lucas Paqueta before the end of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle fans must be in utter euphoria after watching their side go toe-to-toe with current Premier League champions Manchester City at the weekend, with the game ending in a 3-3 draw as the points were shared.

This recent result leaves the Magpies sixth in the table on five points, just two off the top four and in a great position to challenge the top six in the league for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign.

The good news does not stop there, however, as despite having a relatively quiet few weeks in the transfer market, Bailey has revealed the club are still in the mix to sign Paqueta, who has been one of the club’s top targets this summer.

Bailey told the Talking Transfers podcast: “They’re still in for Lucas Paqueta, so we need to keep an eye on that one, that deal is still very much simmering away in the background.”

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TIF Thoughts on Paqueta to Newcastle…

Even though Newcastle have started the season in electric form, there is no doubt they need to continue to build their side, and adding a player like Paqueta could help take Eddie Howe’s side to the next level.

The Brazilian shone last season for Lyon, picking up 11 goals and seven assists, and while he is yet to score or assist in the club’s two opening games this season, he has played 161 minutes in their two wins so far.

While he would certainly help in their attacking plan, Paqueta has also proved he is a stellar performer on the defensive side of the game, as he ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, in the 95th for pressures and in the 90th for both clearances and aerial duels won compared to other players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (as per FBref).

According to Foot Mercato, the Tyneside club are ready to make a club-record offer for the Brazilian between £45-50m. While this is a huge fee for any player, acquiring a player at the level of Paqueta is a no-brainer in our eyes.