There has been a significant update in the Lucas Paqueta saga with the West Ham board making a major admission about his future.
Uncertainty is still hanging over West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico as he awaits the outcome of the spot-fixing case against him.
Lucas Paqueta faces the prospect of a lifetime ban from top level football if found guilty in the case – which is reported to be nearing a conclusion after allegations first emerged nearly two years ago.
There has been intense speculation about Paqueta’s West Ham future if he is cleared of any wrongdoing or escapes a ban.
Especially in light of the club pleading poverty over transfer funds for the summer window.
West Ham’s draining Paqueta saga nearing a conclusion
Paqueta is West Ham’s record £51m signing and highest paid player ever on £150k-per-week.
The case against him has twice collapsed a big-money move to Man City.
A move Paqueta’s representatives previously described as a “dream”.
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It has been claimed in the past that Man City boss Pep Guardiola was willing to wait for the case to be over to reignite the move.
The opportunity is certainly there with the Spaniard in the middle of his latest Man City rebuild and attempting to replace the likes of Kevin De Bruyne.
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How West Ham could do with the original £80m plus Man City were willing to pay for Paqueta too.
But the case has dragged on so long, it remains to be seen whether City would still be interested.
And the fee the Hammers can command will clearly be much less now.
It was reported earlier this month that Paqueta’s legal team are ‘more confident than ever’ he’ll be cleared.
It was also stated that the club’s stance on the PSR situation means Paqueta won’t be at West Ham next season with at least three unnamed clubs ‘waiting on the decision’.
West Ham board issue major Paqueta update
The West Ham playmaker’s boyhood club Flamengo and fellow Brazilian outfit Botafogo have previously been linked with bringing him back to Brazil.
After the season finale at Ipswich, Paqueta appeared to wave goodbye to West Ham fans.
Since then Paqueta dropped a big hint about where his heart is when he leaves the Hammers.
Now the West Ham board have issued a major Paqueta update and made an admission on his future.
When Paqueta burst into tears after being booked in the game against Spurs, it emerged afterwards it was because the case against him had resumed with a view to reaching a conclusion by the end of June.
That is now fast approaching and West Ham will return to pre-season training in the first week of July.
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Hammers News has now discussed the Paqueta situation with the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners.
When asked if there was any update on a verdict being reached in the case or Paqueta’s future if he is cleared, the response was very interesting indeed.
Frustratingly, there has been no inclination a verdict is imminent.
But the Hammers have revealed that certain clubs are very much interested in the Brazil ace if he is free to play on once it does.
And West Ham have reaffirmed they very much still intend to sell him if he is cleared.
West Ham admission on Paqueta’s future as Saudi clubs circle
“Sadly there is no update on the case or a verdict being imminent,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s board exclusively told Hammers News.
“But (if he is cleared) we think Saudi clubs are very interested in him.”
That will be music to the ears of West Ham fans – and Graham Potter – who are desperate to see the club raise funds to make signings.
Whether Paqueta would be open to a move to Saudi remains to be seen.
Although it would likely represent his last chance to secure a big contract as he heads into his late 20s and early 30s.
There would also be less scrutiny on Paqueta in Saudi following the conclusion of his case.
Hammers News understands West Ham would be looking for – at the very least – £40m for the often unplayable star.
Because while Paqueta is entering the last two years of his five-year contract following his arrival in 2022, West Ham have an option for a sixth year.
That effectively means Paqueta has three years to run on his deal, putting West Ham in a strong bargaining position for his sale.
But clearly it all boils down to whether the fan favourite is cleared when a verdict is reached in the coming weeks.