Speculation over the future of Lucas Paqueta at West Ham has been incessant but now there’s been a stunning new twist.
Lucas Paqueta has been facing an uncertain future in football let alone at West Ham.
The Brazilian magnifico has had the spot-fixing case against him hanging over his head like the Sword of Damocles for nearly two years now.
The case alleges that West Ham’s £51m record signing Paqueta was deliberately booked on four occasions to illegally manipulate the betting market.
Paqueta has always vehemently maintained his innocence.
West Ham and their £150k per week star were meant to discover his fate in March.
But the decision on his guilt will be announced by an independent three-person panel in the summer.
If found guilty Paqueta could be banned for life.
It is what might happen if absolved that has made just as many headlines of late, though.
Paqueta’s form throughout 2024 – much like that of the team – has been horrendous.
Paqueta persistently linked with Brazil return
But he has continued to be linked with moves away to former club Flamengo and Botafogo.
There was talk a deal might be cut with a Brazilian club whereby they take Paqueta on paid loan with an obligation to buy at a set price if the case against him finds in his favour.
That would have saved and made West Ham some money in the short term while guaranteeing a sale in the summer.
A sale which may be very much needed according to a brutally honest update from West Ham in a Hammers News exclusive this week.
Since Graham Potter’s arrival as manager, Paqueta’s form has caught fire again.
The former Lyon man has been back to something like his brilliant best under the new boss.
Now there’s a stunning new twist in Paqueta’s West Ham future after his case is settled.
Given the persistent nature of the rumours about a return to Brazil and his awful form, many feel Paqueta is very much pushing to leave West Ham.
There has even been several claims that is the case.
Stunning twist in Paqueta’s West Ham future after case is settled
Earlier this week West Ham addressed claims they are furious with Paqueta and his agents after it was reported that a secret meeting had been held over a move to Flamengo.
It was also stated the Hammers would accept £20m from his old team.
West Ham described the claim that Paqueta’s agent met with Flamengo as ‘nonsense’.
They admitted a ‘derisory’ bid was made by the Brazilian giants 13 months ago but that they have received nothing since.
Well now the man himself has spoken.
And Paqueta has committed his future to West Ham, saying he loves it at the club and wants to stay.
“I’m very happy at West Ham,” Paqueta says.
“I’ve been very happy here, celebrating 100 games.
“And I hope to do much more for this club.”
This is fantastic news for West Ham, who have always stood steadfastly behind their player.
The case against Paqueta has twice collapsed lucrative moves – for the player and Hammers – to Man City.
In fact it also stopped a deal that was all but done for Cole Palmer to join West Ham as part of the same transaction.
But West Ham would be hard-pushed to find and sign a player of Paqueta’s quality.
So the fact he wants to stay should be welcomed – especially if he continues on his current path under Potter.
All eyes now will be on the findings of the panel.
Although there has been a major development in the Brazilian investigation into the Paqueta case this week.
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