Tim Steidten has jetted out to meet West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta, and now the real reason for that trip has come to light.
It has been all go for Lucas Paqueta over the past year or so, both on and off the pitch, and now Tim Steidten has flown out to Brazil to meet the West Ham star.
It emerged last summer that he was being investigated for his role in potential betting breaches, but things have got even worse for him since then.
Just a couple of months ago, it was revealed that the Hammers ace was actually charged for the alleged offences.
If Paqueta is found guilty, he reportedly could receive a lifetime ban – something that would obviously be an unmitigated disaster for both him and the club.
Paqueta is currently out in his homeland, after competing in the Copa America with Brazil in the United States.
He exited the competition at the quarter-final stage, and since then a shock report has claimed that he’s actively seeking to leave West Ham.
Flamengo allegedly want to sign him, with a return to Brazil apparently an appealing prospect to him.
Tim Steidten to meet Lucas Paqueta
The German is heavily involved in which players the club signs this summer, but he has other strings to his bow as well.
Keeping on top of player welfare is clearly one of Steidten’s chief remits, and that will seemingly come into play this summer.
The Hammers director of football is set to fly out to Brazil to meet up with Paqueta amidst his ongoing problems.
However, with the betting probe and transfer rumours swirling around, what is the real reason for Steidten’s trip to South America?
According to Goal Brazil journalist Raisa Simplicio, Steidten has flown out to Brazil to meet with the Hammers’ number 10.
Simplicio said, “West Ham’s director of football will come to Rio to talk to Paquetá and find out more about how he is doing.”
It’s great to see that Steidten is taking such a keen interest in Paqueta’s ongoing plight.
The player himself will surely appreciate the efforts being made by the club to ensure his mental wellbeing as well.
Lucas Paqueta future remains unclear
The Hammers signed Paqueta from Lyon in the summer of 2022 for around £51 million (The Times).
He has been sensational at times for West Ham, but he has disappointed as well.
The skilful play-maker was heavily linked with an £85 million move to Manchester City (Evening Standard), and that money was required for the huge rebuild needed at the London Stadium.
However, as things stand, it seems like the 26-year-old won’t be going anywhere, certainly not until the betting probe has been concluded.
Tim Steidten has obviously flown out to Brazil to hold a face to face meeting with Lucas Paqueta, in order to find out more about his mindset, and help him through the tough times he’s experiencing.
The former Lyon man is on holiday in Rio de Janeiro right now, and will return to West Ham in a couple of weeks or so.
One way or another, the FA need to come to a conclusion with Paqueta. He needs to be charged or cleared.
This has dragged on for far too long now, and I’m just praying that there’s a happy ending for both the player and the club.
Let’s hope that Steidten’s trip out to Rio helps Paqueta’s mental health.
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