The phrase ‘make or break’ can be overused at times. But, as Lucas Paqueta awaits the decision which could bring a premature end to his career both at West Ham United and in the Premier League, this is most certainly one of those scenarios where ‘make or break’ applies.
There was an almighty, River Thames-sized ‘if’ attached when former Hammers boss Alan Pardew suggested this week that retaining Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus was key to Graham Potter’s hopes of a brighter future at the London Stadium.
Albeit for very different reasons, both the Brazilian and the Ghanaian may be unavailable to the embattled West Ham United boss when the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.
Kudus has admirers in Saudi Arabia, mainland Europe and amongst other Premier League clubs.
Paqueta, meanwhile, is facing a spot-fixing ban which could bring the curtains down upon his entire career at the age of just 27.
As if Potter didn’t already have enough to occupy his mind.
‘Only two’ possible conclusions for Lucas Paqueta’s story at West Ham United
According to Sky Sports, the Football Association are seeking a lifetime ban’ for Paqueta.
And as emotion got the better of the former AC Milan and Lyon playmaker during Sunday’s 1-1 derby draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Paqueta could not stop the tears from flowing after he was booked by referee Michael Oliver for a mistimed challenge.
Amid all the scrutiny he has been subjected to over the last few years, it appears to be getting a little bit too much.
Brazilian reporter Fred Caldeira, meanwhile, insists that there are only two possible endings to this sorry tale. Either Lucas Paqueta will be banned from football, or he will be found innocent.
There is no scope, he believes, for even a lengthy suspension followed by an eventual return later down the line.
In short, Paqueta’s entire career rests upon a decision which should finally be made public over the summer.
“No middle ground,” Caldeira explains. “According to sources close to the case, there are only two ways to decide Lucas Paqueta’s trial involving a betting scheme. Either he is acquitted or he is banned.
“There is no option for suspension, among other [alternatives] The trial has already been concluded.
“Unless new information emerges, the verdict should be announced in the first half of June.”
Paqueta may have played his final Hammers game
Reports have indicated today that Paqueta could be withdrawn from West Ham’s remaining fixtures in an attempt to shield him from the spotlight.
As such, depending on the outcome of that long-running trial, the £36 million signing might already have donned that claret and blue kit for the final time.
“My husband has a stance and strength that I admire and that impresses me! We’ve been living this nightmare for two years and he’s always been strong,” Paqueta’s wife, Maria Eduarda Fournier, wrote on social media this week.
“He always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and in the right place. Anyway, God knows all things, and only he knows why we are going through this! And it is only because of him that we are well and living happily as a family. I just want people to respect that.
“People are mean and unfair without knowing anything.”
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