Former West Ham player Frank McAvennie has raised concerns about the potential departure of Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta from the club in the next transfer window, citing ongoing speculation and fears of losing the influential duo.
Both Kudus and Paqueta have played pivotal roles for the Hammers throughout the current campaign. Despite facing injury setbacks, Brazilian midfielder Paqueta has amassed seven goals and seven assists across various competitions, while Ghanaian sensation Kudus has showcased his talent with 13 goals and five assists in 36 appearances for the club.
McAvennie expressed his apprehension that West Ham might consider selling Kudus and Paqueta to generate funds, particularly as the club seeks new investors to bolster its financial position.
The former Hammers and Celtic striker emphasized the importance of retaining both players while also urging the club to strengthen the team with additional signings during the summer transfer window.
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“I think we’ve got people who can score goals,” he told Football Insider.
“We’ve got Kudus and Paqueta… keeping those two is the biggest problem for me, I fear they will both leave, that’s what I keep hearing.
Asamoah Gyan says it's the Mohammed Kudus era.@_owurakuampofo looks at the contribution of the West Ham player for the Black Stars so far.#3Sports pic.twitter.com/wrFiNMkIyh
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 4, 2024
“I don’t want to bring in two defenders but get rid of Kudus and Paqueta. We need to keep them, and get defenders.”
McAvennie’s comments highlight his reluctance to see West Ham part ways with key assets like Kudus and Paqueta, stressing the need for the club to prioritise retaining them while addressing defensive deficiencies.
While Paqueta is in his second season at West Ham, Mohammed Kudus only joined in the summer and has quickly made an impact.
Before his move to West Ham, the 23-year-old attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona.
It remains to be seen whether McAvennie’s sources would be proven right with a summer transfer for any of the duo.