The genius Man City and West Ham swap deal that could land a devastating blow to Arsenal
Manchester City have a player West Ham like, and vice versa, so a swap deal might work a treat
Before the invention of money, there was barter trade, and people found ways to quantify products and swap them so they could be better utilised, with both parties feeling they had done a good job.
In the last decade, the figures involved in top level deals have often meant that whenever a transfer occurs, the fee involved must be humongous or close to massive. However, thinking outside the box is always an asset. If Manchester City, who signed Kalvin Phillips for a reported £45 million, could get their long-term target Lucas Paquetá from West Ham in exchange for the midfielder, then both clubs would feel they had gained rather than lost.
Last summer, Paquetá was Guardiola’s target, and some reports indicated they were willing to go all out for him before news of him being charged for involvement in a betting scandal meant they had to pull the plug. 3 Added Minutes understands there is still some interest. While a swap deal would be complicated, the Hammers like Kalvin Phillips, who was in East London for a loan spell but never got the chance to show his skill due to a combination of injuries and form.
On the financial front, a direct swap can help both clubs manage their wage structures effectively. By exchanging players rather than purchasing outright, they can avoid the inflated wage demands often associated with high-profile transfers.
Both players are high-profile and would strengthen their new teams without the clubs having to spend a huge sum of money. For West Ham, Phillips solves their defensive midfield troubles, and even though the last two seasons have been disappointing, the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ as they called him at his former club Leeds United, still has all the attributes to be an outstanding footballer.
His loan spell was disappointing for the player largely due to injuries and his aim to get minutes to make the England team for the Euros, which did not work out. Under Julian Lopetegui, he might now be able to relieve the pressure and rediscover the form that made him a mainstay in the England team and attracted Manchester City in the first place.
For City, the departures of Ilkay Gündogan last season and Fernandinho the season before have left City's midfield lacking depth. Paquetá's arrival would bolster the squad, ensuring that Guardiola has multiple options to rotate and maintain high-performance levels across all competitions. This would surely come as bad news to Arsenal, as they battle to somehow wrestle the title from the relentless Citizens.
For the players, both need a fresh start. Paquetá - if he avoids a lengthy ban - could get the help he needs at Manchester City to move past a difficult time in his career. Phillips, if signed permanently by West Ham, could get the new start he needs to get his career back on track. He would have been disappointed watching from the stands as England reached the final of the Euros in Germany, and that will surely be ample fuel for the fire as he looks to reignite his stalling career.