West Ham want ‘sensational’ Ilan Kebbal transfer as Lucas Paqueta replacement found
As the January 2026 transfer window enters its frantic final stages, West Ham United find themselves at a critical crossroads. The Hammers, currently embroiled in a grueling battle for Premier League survival under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, are facing the imminent departure of their talismanic Brazilian, Lucas Paquetá. However, according to recent reports from Football Insider and French outlets, West Ham have identified a “sensational” replacement in the form of Paris FC’s breakout star, Ilan Kebbal.
The story is more than just a standard transfer swap; it is a tactical gamble that could determine whether West Ham remains a Premier League entity or faces the financial abyss of the Championship.
The Lucas Paquetá Departure: A Long Goodbye
The context of the Kebbal enquiry begins with the fractured relationship between Lucas Paquetá and the London Stadium. Despite being cleared of betting-related charges in late 2025, the 28-year-old Brazilian international has reportedly grown “disillusioned” with life in England. Paquetá has publicly expressed his desire to return to his boyhood club, Flamengo, admitting in interviews that the emotional toll of the last year has affected his focus on the pitch.
As of January 18, 2026, West Ham has softened its stance on a sale but has attached a “non-negotiable” condition: any deal for Paquetá must include a loan-back clause that keeps him at West Ham until the end of the current season. Flamengo, however, is resistant to this, hoping to secure their star man immediately. With the two clubs locked in a £40 million stalemate, West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has moved quickly to secure a successor who can provide the creative spark the team so desperately lacks.
Who is Ilan Kebbal?
While the name might not be a household one in East London yet, Ilan Kebbal has become one of the most statistically impressive playmakers in France. The 27-year-old Algerian international is a “late bloomer” whose career has exploded since Paris FC’s promotion to Ligue 1.
Standing at just 5’7″, Kebbal is a diminutive, left-footed “magician” who operates with a low center of gravity that makes him nearly impossible to dispossess. His style is strikingly similar to Paquetá’s—relying on intricate dribbling, “no-look” through balls, and a flair for the spectacular.
Statistical Breakdown: Kebbal vs. Paquetá (2025/26 Season)
| Metric (Per 90) | Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC) | Lucas Paquetá (West Ham) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals/Assists | 10 (Total) | 𝟜 (Total) |
| Key Passes | 2.8 | 1.9 |
| Successful Dribbles | 3.2 | 2.1 |
| Pass Accuracy (Final Third) | 84% | 76% |
| Market Value | £12.5m | £45m |
The data suggests that while Paquetá has struggled for form amidst his off-field distractions, Kebbal is in the prime of his career. His 10 goal contributions in 16 Ligue 1 matches have elevated Paris FC into the mid-table, making him a “sensational” target for clubs looking for high-impact creative output on a budget.
The “Sensational” Tag: Why the Hype?
The term “sensational” has been attached to this move for three primary reasons:
- The Bargain Factor: In an era where Premier League-proven playmakers cost upwards of £60 million, Kebbal is available for a reported £12.5 million. This would allow West Ham to sell Paquetá for £40m+ and reinvest the surplus into their leaky defense.
- The Hijack: West Ham isn’t alone. Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Sunderland have all made enquiries for the Algerian. For West Ham to lead the race represents a major scouting victory for Steidten’s European network.
- The Tactical Fit: Nuno Espírito Santo’s system relies on “inverted” wingers who can tuck inside to act as a #10. Kebbal’s heat map shows he is a master of the “half-spaces,” making him a plug-and-play replacement for the tactical role Paquetá occupied.
The Nuno Espírito Santo Revolution
The interest in Kebbal is part of a wider January “blitz” at the London Stadium. With Nuno under pressure to deliver immediate results, the club has already allowed Niclas Füllkrug to join AC Milan and is closing in on deals for Taty Castellanos (Lazio) and Adama Traoré (Fulham).
Adding Kebbal to this mix would transform West Ham’s attack from a slow, possession-based unit into a high-speed, counter-attacking force. Kebbal’s ability to transition the ball from midfield to the final third with one pass is precisely what the club needs to get the best out of their new striking recruits.
Potential Hurdles: AFCON and PSR
There are, however, complications. Kebbal is currently representing Algeria at AFCON 2025. While this proves his international pedigree, it means he would not be available for immediate selection until February. For a club in a relegation fight, waiting two to three weeks for a marquee signing is a significant risk.
Furthermore, West Ham must be careful with their Profit and Sustainability (PSR) calculations. While selling Paquetá provides a massive “green” mark on the balance sheet, the club has already committed nearly £45 million to other January recruits. The Kebbal deal may depend entirely on the final confirmation of the Paquetá-Flamengo paperwork.
Final Outlook: A New Era at the London Stadium?
If Tim Steidten can finalize the Ilan Kebbal deal within the next 𝟜8 hours, it will signal the official end of the “Paquetá Era” at West Ham. While losing a player of the Brazilian’s caliber is always a blow, the acquisition of a hungry, in-form, and technically gifted replacement like Kebbal represents the kind of smart business West Ham has lacked in recent years.
The message to the fans is clear: the club is moving on from unsettled stars and investing in the “next big thing” from the continent. Whether Kebbal can handle the physical intensity of the Premier League remains to be seen, but on paper, he is the sensational spark West Ham needs to ignite their survival bid.