“It’s a concrete possibility”: Fabrizio Romano shares United’s chances of signing Brazilian maestro in January

Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has offered an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian arrived at the London Stadium in the summer of 2022 from Lyon and has been a key part of the first team ever since. This season, Paqueta has registered three goals in 10 appearances across competitions for the Hammers, starting every game. CompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League92–3–788′ EFL Cup11–––90′ Total103–3–878′ Source: TransfermarktHowever, the player is reportedly looking to take the next step in his career in January, in a bid to improve his chances of making Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. United want a new midfielder in 2026 A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that United are keeping a close eye on the 28 year old ahead of the winter transfer window. The Red Devils have been on the rise under Ruben Amorim of late, but are eager to add more quality to the middle of the park in 2026. With Casemiro in the twilight of his career and out of contract at the end of the season, the Premier League giants are eyeing potential replacements in the market. Recent reports have suggested that Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson are on the club’s radar ahead of 2026. Paqueta’s situation also makes him an enticing option for United. The Brazilian is a highly capable playmaker with an exemplary work rate. His contract expires in 2027, so he could be available for a reduced fee next year. United not in concrete talks for Paqueta However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that United are not in concrete talks to sign Paqueta in January. “In January, if there is the right opportunity, Paquetá could have the possibility to go and leave West Ham. So keep an eye on that one, because it’s a concrete possibility. “Many asking about Manchester United. At the moment, I am not aware of concrete or advanced negotiations between Paquetá and Manchester United or Manchester United and West Ham. “That’s what I am told at the moment on the Paquetá story. Let’s see what’s going to happen. Because Paquetá could be very interesting in terms of role, in terms of quality. But financially, West Ham are not going to give Paquetá for free or for small money.” United are sweating over the future of Kobbie Mainoo, who is frustrated after failing to start a game under Amorim this season. Should the Englishman push for an exit in January, the Red Devils could consider a move for Paqueta. ⚔️ Premier League Midfielders: Offensive duels won 🇧🇷 43 — Bruno Guimarães🇧🇷 38 — Lucas Paquetà🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 37 — Elliot Anderson🇧🇷 34 — João Gomes 📊 https://t.co/McR5zrPkTO pic.twitter.com/qN6WYCxhFj — DataMB (@DataMB_) October 28, 2025 The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.