West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Wed 25 June 2025 16:10, UK
West Ham are waiting patiently for the outcome of the FA investigation against Lucas Paqueta that could dictate his future.
The FA’s hearing over alleged betting offences by Paqueta has been an ongoing saga for months now, leaving uncertainty over what’s next.
Although the hearing has now concluded, no outcome has been delivered yet, and neither the Hammers nor the player knows when the answer will be delivered.
Plenty is hanging on the outcome of the trial, though, with a lifetime ban a potential punishment should Paqueta be found guilty.
Graham Potter West Ham
Potter needs to strengthen his West Ham side this summer. (Credit: Imago)
Simon Jordan urges Paqueta movement
Given the uncertainty over what the future holds, Paqueta had a quieter season than one would typically expect from him.
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The 27-year-old made no secret of the effect the ongoing case has had on his mental health and mindset, which affected his performances on the pitch too.
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2024/25 33 4 0
2023/24 31 4 6
2022/23 28 4 3
Paqueta did not have his best season.
The Hammers supported their player in his decisions when it came to team selection, but with the summer transfer window now open, the lack of answers has an impact on the club too.
PSR restrictions are breathing heavily down David Sullivan’s neck this summer, and if he wants to be able to back Graham Potter to bring in new additions, he may need to cash in on other players first.
Paqueta could certainly be a financial answer for the Irons, with Manchester City having previously been interested in the talent.
However, with the risk of a lifetime ban, other sides are naturally wary about the risks of any transfer.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (25 June, 12:45 pm), Simon Jordan urged the Brazilian to take matters into his own hands, saying: “If you’re Lucas Paqueta and you’re in such a state now with reputational damage, inability to move between football clubs and your whole career being held in a holding pattern, wouldn’t you be able to want to move this a bit quicker?
“I know I’ve dragged people into court before for misrepresentation in under a year. So, wouldn’t you be pushing for a quicker outcome than the 14, 15 months that this kid’s been sitting around?”
Paqueta and West Ham need an outcome
You can understand what Jordan is saying, as both Paqueta and West Ham are in limbo until they know what the future holds.
Flamengo could offer a way out for Potter with reports that they would take the Brazilian back to his native country for a fee of £29.5million.
It would be a decrease on what they actually value the player, but the longer this saga goes on, the more worried the Hammers may start to feel about where this one will go.
West Ham may be best to cut their losses and escape facing any consequences that a possible guilty verdict would deliver.
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