The current situation of West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta is clearly an extremely complex one.
Lucas Paqueta has continued to hit the headlines whilst away at the Copa America with Brazil, and the West Ham star’s future at the London Stadium remains very much uncertain.
The last 12 months have not been easy for the 26-year-old, after it emerged that he was being investigated for his role in potential betting breaches.
He has now been charged for the alleged offences, and if he’s found guilty he reportedly could receive a lifetime ban.
That would obviously be a disaster for him and the Hammers. However, if he’s proved innocent of the alleged betting rule violations, he could seal a big money switch away from the London Stadium to join Manchester City (Goal).
The worst case scenario will obviously be if he is found guilty and then banned. There must still be a scenario whereby he remains at West Ham though, and plays under Julen Lopetegui next season and beyond.
So how does the land lie right now?
Jacob Steinberg on what he’s heard about West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta
The Brazil international is currently representing his country at the Copa America out in the United States.
Paqueta has actually really impressed, in spite of the Samba Boys’ underwhelming performances so far.
He deserves a lot of credit for putting all of his off-field worries behind him, and still performing to a high level.
So will we see Lucas playing in the famous Claret and Blue next season?
Jacob Steinberg has just made a brand new claim regarding the West Ham star’s current situation.
The Guardian journalist has shared what he’s heard coming out of the London Stadium about the former Lyon man.
Steinberg said, “West Ham turned down a loan offer from Flamengo for Lucas Paqueta last month. Message out of the club is that Paqueta will be playing for Lopetegui next season.”
If true, and he’s cleared of all the charges levelled against him, that’s great news for the Hammers.
If Lucas Paqueta remains at West Ham next season, he’ll have the full support of everyone at the club.
Let’s just hope that this story has a happy ending for the player and the club.
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