West Ham United manager Graham Potter has poured cold water on speculation linking Lucas Paquetá with a late move to Aston Villa, delivering a one-word response when asked if the Brazilian would remain at the club beyond Monday’s transfer deadline: “Yes.”
"A Graham Potter masterclass" ⚒️
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) August 31, 2025
A HUGE victory for West Ham 📈
👉 https://t.co/NI1sjtGRxI#BBCFootball #NFOWHU pic.twitter.com/LvWnLtgI0m
Transfer talk dominated the build-up to Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, with reports suggesting Paquetá would not even travel amid Villa’s £47 million bid. Fabrizio Romano claimed Unai Emery’s side were “closing in” on a deal, though it was never quite at his famous “Here We Go” stage.
Instead, Paquetá not only made the trip to the City Ground but produced a match-winning display, scoring from the penalty spot and earning Sky Sports’ Man of the Match award in West Ham’s dramatic 3–0 victory.
Potter Shuts Down Speculation
Speaking after the game, Potter was emphatic about the midfielder’s future.
“The noise has been around Lucas for a long time and the way he conducts himself is incredible,” he said. “He gave everything for the team again today and contributed with a goal and the win.”
Pressed on whether Paquetá would still be wearing claret and blue after the window shuts, Potter’s response was short and sharp: “Yes.”
Lucas Paqueta celebration. pic.twitter.com/tZG3FcpJLu
— Central (@WestHam_Central) August 31, 2025
Bowen and Paquetá Lead the Way
Captain Jarrod Bowen had earlier set West Ham on their way with a stunning finish, described as “world-class” by former Hammer Matthew Upson. Bowen later backed Paquetá, echoing his manager’s words:
“Don’t believe everything you read online. Some people didn’t think he’d turn up and play, but he turned up and scored.”
Bowen, who had a heated exchange with supporters during the recent Carabao Cup defeat to Wolves, also reflected on repairing that relationship:
“I play with my heart and these things happen. It’s never personal with fans, it’s all for the love of the club. Today, it was great to share a positive moment with them before the international break.”
Impact From the New Boys
It wasn’t just Paquetá and Bowen making headlines. £40 million signing Mateus Fernandes impressed on his full debut, forming a strong partnership with Paquetá in midfield. Off the bench, Crysencio Summerville played a pivotal role, setting up Bowen’s opener, winning the penalty for Paquetá, and helping create the third goal for substitute Callum Wilson, who nodded in El Hadji Malick Diouf’s cross.
Relief for Potter
For Potter, the result was not just a statement win but also a release of pressure after a difficult few weeks.
“I’ve been a manager for 15 years, relatively competent sometimes!” he joked. “But it’s the players’ day today. They carried out the game plan really well, restricted Forest, and carried a big threat of our own.”
The win lifts the mood at the London Stadium heading into the international break, with Paquetá’s future — at least for now — put firmly to bed.
