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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Malik Ouzia

Lucas Paqueta heralds start of West Ham ‘journey’ as Lyon chief aims dig at Hammers’ club-record deal

Lucas Paqueta heralded the “beginning of an enjoyable journey” after becoming West Ham’s £51.2million record signing.

The midfielder was on Monday unveiled as David Moyes’s eighth summer signing, joining from Lyon in a transfer worth an initial £36.7m, plus £14.5m in add-ons.

“I hope it’s the beginning of an enjoyable journey, I hope my time here is successful,” said the Brazilian. “West Ham had a very good season and I hope they continue to enjoy more and more good seasons in my time here.”

David Moyes added: “I’m delighted to welcome Lucas to West Ham.

“He’s a player I’ve admired from afar for a very long time and of course, we saw him close up in our Europa League campaign last season.

“He’s a very talented footballer and whilst he will need time to adapt to the Premier League, we’re excited about adding another proven international to our squad.”

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, however, aimed a dig at West Ham following Paqueta’s departure, suggesting he expected bigger sides to come in for the 25-year-old.

“We thought we had very big clubs [interested],” Aulas told Canal+. “We had to discuss with West Ham at the last moment.”

Meanwhile, Hammers youngster Armstrong Okoflex is set to join Swansea on a season-long loan.

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