Nuno Rejects West Ham Blame on Paqueta Replacement

Key Points

• Nuno Espírito Santo has firmly refused to accept blame from West Ham United’s board for the need to replace Lucas Paqueta, demonstrating he is not a ‘yes man’ to the owners.
• Lucas Paqueta was sold to Flamengo for £36.5 million after insisting on a return to his boyhood club in Brazil.
• Paqueta refused to play for West Ham in the last three matches prior to his departure.
• West Ham won all three of those matches, injecting new life into what had been a dismal season.
• Nuno previously described Paqueta as ‘irreplaceable’ during the player’s suspension.
• The situation now places the responsibility squarely on Nuno to address the vacancy before the January transfer window closes on Monday night.
• Questions persist over whether West Ham will even attempt to sign a replacement, amid suggestions that internal games are already underway.

East London (East London Times) January 30, 2026 – West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo has made clear his unwillingness to be held accountable by the club’s board for replacing star midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who departed for Flamengo in a £36.5 million deal. Paqueta’s exit followed his refusal to feature in West Ham’s last three fixtures, a stance that coincided with three successive victories for the Hammers, breathing fresh momentum into a previously struggling campaign. With the January transfer window set to close on Monday night, attention focuses on whether the club will pursue a successor, as Nuno distances himself from any boardroom finger-pointing.​

Who is Nuno Espírito Santo and Why Refuse the Blame?

Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham’s head coach, has positioned himself as no ‘yes man’ for the club’s owners by rejecting any attempt to scapegoat him over the Paqueta situation. Reports indicate that the Portuguese manager was vocal in his opposition to being ‘thrown under the bus’ by the board regarding the signing of a replacement. This stance comes after Paqueta’s high-profile sale, leaving a significant void in the midfield.

As noted in coverage from Hammers News, Nuno had earlier praised Paqueta effusively, calling him ‘irreplaceable’ when the Brazilian was sidelined by suspension. That assessment underscored Paqueta’s importance to the team’s dynamics. Now, with the player gone, the ball is firmly in Nuno’s court to demonstrate his squad-building credentials before the transfer deadline.

The manager’s refusal highlights underlying tensions, as the club navigates a season of highs and lows. West Ham’s recent wins without Paqueta suggest adaptability, but Nuno appears determined not to shoulder sole responsibility for any midfield shortcomings.

What Led to Lucas Paqueta’s Departure?

Lucas Paqueta realised his long-held wish to return to boyhood club Flamengo by forcing through a move from West Ham for £36.5 million. The Brazilian midfielder had refused to play in the Hammers’ last three games, a boycott that ultimately paved the way for his exit. This development, detailed across multiple outlets, marks a pivotal shift for the East London club.

Paqueta’s determination to leave was unwavering, culminating in his sale during the January window. His absence did not derail West Ham, who secured victories in all three matches he sat out, providing a silver lining to an otherwise disruptive saga. The transfer fee represents a substantial financial boost, yet it raises questions about reinvestment.

How Did West Ham Perform Without Paqueta?

West Ham’s recent form offers a surprising counterpoint to Paqueta’s perceived indispensability. The team triumphed in all three fixtures that the midfielder declined to participate in, transforming a dismal season into one with renewed purpose. These results suggest the squad possesses depth beyond one individual talent.

Nuno’s earlier comment on Paqueta’s irreplaceability, made during the player’s suspension, now invites scrutiny. The wins without him indicate tactical flexibility under the manager’s guidance. Nonetheless, sustaining this momentum may hinge on addressing the midfield gap before Monday’s deadline.

Why Did Nuno Call Paqueta ‘Irreplaceable’?

Not long before Paqueta’s departure, Nuno Espírito Santo labelled the player as ‘irreplaceable’ amid his suspension. This strong endorsement, reported by Hammers News, reflected Paqueta’s central role in West Ham’s setup at the time. The manager’s words carried weight, emphasising the Brazilian’s unique contributions on the pitch.

The suspension period highlighted Paqueta’s value, with Nuno stressing the challenge of filling his shoes. Yet, Paqueta’s subsequent boycott and the team’s victories have somewhat tempered that narrative. Nuno’s prior statement now serves as a benchmark against which his transfer window actions will be judged.

Will West Ham Sign a Paqueta Replacement?

All eyes are on West Ham’s intentions as the January transfer window nears its close on Monday night. The question of whether the club can – and will – secure a replacement for Paqueta looms large. Nuno’s refusal to be scapegoated implies he expects board support in this endeavour.

Reports suggest early manoeuvres may already be afoot, with uncertainty over the club’s commitment. The £36.5 million influx provides resources, but strategic fit remains key. Fans and analysts await clarity on whether a marquee signing materialises or if internal options suffice.

What Happens if No Replacement is Signed?

Should West Ham fail to act before the deadline, the pressure on Nuno intensifies. His public stance against blame-shifting positions the board as equally accountable. The recent wins offer breathing room, but a midfield vacuum could undermine long-term ambitions.

The transfer window’s closure on Monday night will crystallise intentions. Observers note that ‘games have already begun’ over the replacement issue, hinting at internal debates. West Ham’s season trajectory may pivot on this decision.

How Has the Season Progressed So Far?

West Ham’s campaign had been described as dismal prior to Paqueta’s boycott and the ensuing victories. Those three wins have injected ‘new life and meaning’ into proceedings, per Hammers News reports. This turnaround underscores the squad’s resilience.

Nuno’s management has navigated turbulence, from Paqueta’s suspension to his exit. The transfer window represents the next chapter, with the manager’s autonomy in focus. Supporters hope for continuity in form.

What Role Did Paqueta Play at West Ham?

Lucas Paqueta was a cornerstone figure, earning ‘irreplaceable’ status from Nuno during his suspension. His contributions extended beyond statistics, influencing team morale and tactics. The £36.5 million sale to Flamengo ends a chapter defined by his desire for a Brazilian homecoming.

Paqueta’s refusal to play marked a decisive break, yet West Ham adapted swiftly. His legacy includes galvanising a struggling side, even as his departure tests rebuild capacity.

Who Holds Responsibility for the Transfer Strategy?

The buck stops with Nuno over replacing Paqueta, but he has rebuffed any sole accountability. Hammers News highlights the board’s role, with the manager refusing to be a scapegoat. This dynamic reveals power structures within the club.

As the window ticks down, collaborative decision-making appears essential. Nuno’s assertiveness signals a shift from passive compliance.

What Are the Transfer Window Implications?

The January transfer window closes on Monday night, amplifying urgency. West Ham must weigh financial gain against on-pitch needs. Paqueta’s £36.5 million fee equips them, but targeted recruitment is vital.

Nuno’s position strengthens his bargaining power. Failure to reinforce could echo through the season.

Broader Context for West Ham Fans

For West Ham supporters, Paqueta’s exit is bittersweet amid recent successes. The three wins sans their star offer optimism. Yet, Nuno’s defiance against the board resonates, prioritising team welfare.

The story unfolds in real-time, with Monday’s deadline pivotal. East London’s Hammers faithful anticipate bold moves.