West Ham star Lucas Paqueta drops cryptic transfer hint just minutes before crunch Bournemouth clash

LUCAS PAQUETA dropped a cryptic transfer hint just minutes before West Ham's clash against Bournemouth.

The Hammers travelled to the South Coast in a bid to make it two wins on the bounce.

West Ham beat Wolves last Monday night to ease pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui.

Paqueta, 27, has been benched for the last two games since the 5-2 defeat to Arsenal.

He has been subbed on in both fixtures but has seen his minutes limited under Lopetegui.

Ahead of the Premier League fixture against the Cherries, the Brazilian took to social media to post a cryptic transfer hint.

The post suggested he will "return home" amid links back to Brazil and clubs such as Flamengo and Botafogo.

He wrote: "I'm not from here.

"I will return home.

"He comes to get me, and with him, I will go!"

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The words appear to be lyrics from a song due to the addition of a music emoji.

Despite the post, he returned to the starting line-up to face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium.

And he ended up scoring from the penalty spot on 84 minutes in what looked to have sealed a big three points for the Hammers.

But on 90 minutes hosts Bournemouth secured a point thanks to a screamer from sub Enes Unal.

Paqueta has struggled to impress in the Premier League this season, with just two goals from his 15 appearances.

The midfielder has also been the subject of a betting probe from the FA.

He protests his innocence, but any club signing him would take the risk of possible future action - especially with the FA pushing for a LIFETIME BAN.

Paqueta joined the Hammers back in 2022 in a £50m transfer from Ligue 1 side Lyon.

In his debut season he helped the club win the Conference League trophy and assisted Jarrod Bowen to score the winning goal in the final.