Nuno Espírito Santo may publicly doubt whether Lucas Paquetá can be replaced at West Ham, but the early evidence suggests the Hammers already have an internal solution emerging — even if scepticism remains.
Paquetá is in the process of finalising his move to Flamengo after making it clear he wanted to return to Brazil this winter. Reaction to his farewell post, including messages from Neymar, removed any lingering doubt that his time at the London Stadium was coming to an end.
His departure comes amid further midfield change, with James Ward-Prowse also leaving on loan to Burnley, leaving West Ham reshaping the engine room at a delicate point in the season.
Nuno plays down any chance of a like-for-like replacement
Paquetá’s exit is undeniably significant. Since arriving from Lyon in 2022, he has been the creative heartbeat of West Ham — a technically gifted, unpredictable presence who linked midfield and attack and often elevated those around him.
Speaking via BBC Match of the Day, Nuno made it clear he does not believe West Ham can directly replace him.
“You cannot replace Lucas because he is unique,” the manager said, adding that the club would have to “move forward with what they have”.
The comments suggested two things: a lack of expectation for a late attacking midfield signing before the 2 February deadline, and an acceptance that stylistic compromise is inevitable.
Mateus Fernandes quietly filling the void
However, while Paquetá may be irreplaceable in theory, Mateus Fernandes is already easing the practical impact of his departure.
The 21-year-old has stepped up in recent weeks and, statistically at least, is matching — and in some areas outperforming — Paquetá’s Premier League output this season.
According to Sofascore data:
- Long ball accuracy: Fernandes 67.9% | Paquetá 51%
- Cross accuracy: Fernandes +8.6% higher
- Dribble success: Fernandes 59.3% | Paquetá 38.1%
- Pass accuracy: Fernandes 89% | Paquetá 77%
Those numbers underline a player who is cleaner in possession, more efficient in progression and increasingly influential in build-up phases.
End product backing up the data
Fernandes is not just contributing in underlying metrics. He has already recorded three goals and two assists this season, offering tangible attacking output alongside his technical reliability.
While he lacks Paquetá’s flair and improvisation, Fernandes brings control, tempo management and ball security — qualities that may prove just as valuable given West Ham’s current league position.
Having followed West Ham closely this season, Fernandes’ composure and maturity stand out, particularly given his age.
Replacement by evolution, not imitation
Nuno’s reluctance to frame Fernandes as a “replacement” is understandable. Paquetá’s style is rare, and comparisons risk burdening a young player unnecessarily.
However, this does not mean West Ham are weaker. Instead, the midfield profile is changing.
Fernandes is not Paquetá — but he does not need to be. His strengths suggest a different kind of attacking midfielder, one who could provide long-term stability rather than moments of chaos.
It remains too early to draw firm conclusions, but the trajectory is clear.
Key Insights
- Lucas Paquetá is finalising his move to Flamengo
- Nuno believes Paquetá cannot be directly replaced
- Mateus Fernandes is already delivering strong performances
- Fernandes outperforms Paquetá in several key metrics this season
- West Ham may be evolving rather than replacing
What’s Next
West Ham are expected to close the window without signing another attacking midfielder, placing responsibility on Fernandes and the existing squad. Much will depend on how quickly he adapts to increased creative responsibility, but early signs suggest Nuno may already have the solution he doubts exists.
Is Mateus Fernandes already proving Nuno wrong — or will West Ham truly feel Paquetá’s absence when the pressure rises?
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