Belgian journalist gives West Ham hope of signing like-for-like Lucas Paqueta replacement Mario Stroeykens

A leading Belgian journalist has given West Ham hope of landing brilliant young Anderlecht star Mario Stroeykens as a like-for-like replacement for Lucas Paqueta.

Hammers News exclusive

Lucas Paqueta came on as a second half substitute in West Ham’s final home game of the season.

In reality it was Paqueta’s final game at the London Stadium for West Ham – and possibly his last match ever.

The Brazilian magnifico is now into the final weeks of the spot-fixing trial which will decide his very future in the game he lights up when at his brilliant best.

The FA want a lifetime ban if West Ham’s £51m record signing is found guilty.

Paqueta set for West Ham farewell one way or another

If Paqueta, who has always vehemently denied the charges, is cleared then West Ham will be selling him to raise funds for signings due to PSR.

A return to Brazil looks most likely.

There has been an understandable focus on the impact the case is having on Paqueta’s health after he burst into tears in the game against Spurs.

But for West Ham there is the concerning issue of replacing him.

The Hammers are already sorely lacking creativity and guile – as highlighted by their dismal scoring record under Graham Potter.

So losing Paqueta as well, one way or another, means the club are under pressure to sign an adequate replacement.

Few West Ham fans knew much about Anderlecht talent Mario Stroeykens when he was suddenly linked with a summer move to east London last week.

Belgian publication La Dierne Heure reported that West Ham have enquired about the availability of 20-year-old Anderlecht starlet Stroeykens.

The Belgium Under-21 international is the latest exciting graduate from the famed Anderlecht academy.