Lucas Paqueta to Newcastle United was the transfer rumour that refused to disappear this summer. The playmaker's friendship with Bruno Guimaraes and a Tyneside visit in May fuelled speculation of another blockbuster move.
Arsenal were also said to be in the hunt for Paqueta, who had rebuilt his reputation with Lyon following a difficult spell at AC Milan. But in the end, it was the Hammers who landed the Brazil international in a club-record deal in the closing days of the window.
Paqueta was one of three marquee arrivals at the London Stadium, with deals for Nayef Aguerd and Gianluca Scamacca taking the total spend comfortably in excess of £100 million. However, it has been a difficult start to the season for David Moyes' side who currently sit just one point above the relegation zone.
READ MORE: Newcastle question has already been asked on Goncalo Ramos as World Cup treble sends price soaring
Paqueta has registered three assists in 12 appearances, but is yet to open his account for his new club. Jonty Colman, West Ham writer for Football.London, says there have been flashes of quality from the 25-year-old but injuries and the pace of the Premier League have so far prevented fans from seeing the best of the summer signing.
When asked to assess Paqueta's start, Colman told ChronicleLive: "It's a bit of an interesting one. It quickly became apparent that West Ham had got this flair player who can do things with a ball that hardly anyone else can do.
"One of the biggest issues with Paqueta has been the pace of play. Early on, I think he thought he had a lot more time on the ball than he did. There was one game against Everton where he got picked off so many times, Everton did a number on him and he hardly got a kick.
"He came back from the international break and he was in a good bit of form. You thought from those two games against Anderlecht and Fulham that there was a really exciting partnership forming with Scamacca, but unfortunately injuries came soon after.
"He hasn't been quite up to the expectations of many just yet, but he is joint top for assists. I think there are signs of a really good player, but there are signs of someone who needs plenty of time to adjust. You'd like to think that when he comes back from the World Cup, there'll be a much brighter player."
West Ham have secured European football for two straight seasons on the back of sixth and seventh-placed finishes. However, it has been a tricky start to the new campaign for the Hammers, with just four wins achieved so far in the Premier League.
Newcastle fans driving the Paqueta rumours on social media often debated the role he would take in Eddie Howe's side, despite little sign of a transfer emerging. The versatile star is capable of playing as a sitting midfielder, and advanced playmaker or even out wide.
Moyes has predominantly stuck with the 4-2-3-1 formation which proven successful in recent years, with Paqueta slotting into the position behind the lone striker. The team's indifferent form has led to calls from fans for the summer signing to assume a new role in the side.
Colman explained: "I think what fans are calling out for is for him to play a bit deeper, it's where he played at Lyon and for Brazil. I think people want to see him playing with Declan Rice, although it would mean Tomas Soucek coming out of the team.
"It might see him get a bit more of the ball and more involvement in games. West Ham are not much of a possession team and are quick on the counter, and that might be harming Paqueta's quality and influence on games. Perhaps to get the best out of him, it's something worth exploring."
West Ham have one of the best defensive records in the division, but a return of 12 goals in their opening 15 matches explains their domestic struggles so far. The Hammers return to action with a visit to league leaders Arsenal on Boxing Day, before finishing the year with a home clash against Brentford.
Paqueta's arrival was seen as a 'statement of intent' given the reported interest elsewhere, and Brazil's quarter-final exit from the World Cup could see the midfielder return to club duty sooner than anticipated. The record signing's contributions go beyond goals and assists, but it is these metrics which he will likely be judged against as West Ham look to bounce back from their slow start.
Colman added: "West Ham had already spent a lot of money at this point, and then they went and got Paqueta. It's a massive signing, especially when you look at how West Ham have spent their money in recent seasons.
"There is bound to be a high level of expectation and I do think he'll be a good signing, but I think because of the money and West Ham's start, there's a feeling he'll be the player to get them out of it. Sometimes when West Ham have looked bad, Paqueta looks the one who might create something. There's a player in there, but fans are going to want to see a lot more from him after the World Cup."
READ NEXT
Newcastle unearth talents who all have got 'something to offer' including exciting 16-year-old
Newcastle owners may have got glimpse of future and angry player reactions Eddie Howe will love
Isaac Hayden reveals truth about Newcastle being 'richest club in world' amid FFP question mark
Newcastle owners see deal they can do, untouchable found and millions could be saved - 5 things
Isaac Hayden's top apology as Newcastle pay £19k Chelsea fine after Eddie Howe 'loved' tweet
