Had a fair old talk with my son. My son — far better than me, and better I suspect than the majority of people on this forum — has seen Paquetá over and over, game after game, since he is a lifelong Olympique Lyonnais supporter (don't ask, it's a lengthy story). I realise that I may have underestimated this guy. At l'OL he more or less carried the team (I have the distinct impression from Hammers fans that I've read on here and on KUMB that he's not infrequently has the same importance at WHU). He is very skilful, he defends, he works his socks off for the team, everything that Pep likes. I had him down as a good player, but a bit of a prima donna in the Brazilian style. I'm happy to trust my son's judgement. He knows his football (pretty morose about l'OL these days).
£80-85 million no longer seems that inflated to me. He won't be KDB, he won't be Gundo. He'll be a different kind of midfielder.
Get it done, Txiki.
The acquisition of Kova, Gvardiol and this guy would have to be considered a very good window. The more so in that it looks more and more as though Bernie and Kyle are staying. It's scary, but the team could actually be better than last year's, although the loss of Kev is a definite blow.