Manchester City will reportedly not be able to use Kalvin Phillips as part of a potential deal to sign Lucas Paqueta this summer.
Months after City tried to sign the Brazilian from West Ham United during the previous summer transfer window, the two clubs were in contact again as Phillips made a move to the London Stadium where he will spend the remainder of the season on loan.
With the next summer transfer period in mind, some behind-the-scenes details have come to light regarding the Hammers’ stance on a possible deal that would see the two players swap clubs on a permanent basis.
West Ham not interested in Paqueta/Phillips swap deal
A recent report from The Athletic had this to say on the matter.
It said: “Phillips’ arrival will have no bearing on Lucas Paqueta’s potential departure to Manchester City come the summer.
“The £85m release clause in Paqueta’s contract kicks in this summer, but West Ham have no plans to include him in a deal with Phillips to ensure the latter’s signing becomes a permanent move.”
Since joining the east London club back in the 2022 summer transfer window, Paqueta has made 68 appearances for David Moyes’ side across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists along the way.
Even though the Hammers have finally got their hands on Phillips, who they tried to sign before City did back in 2022, this claim that they won’t entertain a deal that would see them lose Paqueta just to sign the Englishman permanently suggests to us that they only way City could land the Brazilian is by paying his release clause.
Looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window, it’s safe to say that the potential next steps of both players will be an interesting thing to keep an eye on once the season ends.
