West Ham club sources have revealed to Claret & Hugh this afternoon that Lucas Paquetá hasn’t insisted on a move to Brazilian side Flamengo.
The update follows reports yesterday suggesting the Brazilian maestro had pressured Hammers bosses into selling him to Brazil if acquitted of betting charges.
Earlier today, we spoke to a source close to the player who completely refuted the rumour—and now West Ham themselves have stepped in to defend Paquetá.
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C&H asked a London Stadium insider if there was any truth in Paquetá pushing for a move to Flamengo. We were told:
“No, that’s wrong. There was a chance to go there about a year ago, but it was a loan deal when he [Paquetá] thought it might have helped his case if he was back in Brazil.”
When we asked if West Ham’s record signing would be open to a move to Manchester City, the response was telling:
“Who knows, he might want to get away from the jurisdiction of the FA. If he’s acquitted, he could go to Saudi for the money.”
It would seem there is serious interest from the Saudi Pro League for the player which would clearly boost Graham Potters spending ability.
The truth is, until the outcome of the FA hearing is known, no one can be sure what the future holds. But having spoken to both Team Paquetá and West Ham today, it’s been made crystal clear that the player is not pushing for a move to Brazil, despite yesterday’s speculation.