[Lucas Paquetá’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-exclusive-saudis-waiting-to-make-paqueta-move/) time in claret and blue appears to be at and end – whatever the FA Inquiry outcome, due ‘shortly’. We can only assume that the verdict will be delivered during the summer transfer window – sometime between now and September 2nd. If exonerated – as seems increasingly possible – then West Ham will apparently have no shortage of suitors.
With the rumours that Paquetá is pushing for a move back to boyhood club Flamengo now discounted, the market place will be big and interest still strong. The price might not be quite at the £80 million level of pre-FA allegations but still enough for West Ham to bank a fair sum: Recent activity suggests the Irons are already planning for life post – Paqueta with reported interest in several who could take the number 10 playmaker role next season. First of the reported ‘watchlist’ of note is Manchester City’s talented young midfielder **James McAtee,** part of the u21 European Championship-winning England side.
Interest will be widespread and something approaching 20 clubs have their hats in the ring so – however much he’d fit into Graham Potter’s plans, it seems he’ll have far higher expectations than lowly West Ham.
Links with **Mario Stroekyens** linger, with West Ham’s [initial bid being](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfers-hammers-told-to-double-bid/) waved away. A deal is certainly feasible if the Irons don’t let someone else steam in whilst they deliberate. The Anderlecht youngster would be a perfect playmaker and is a tantalising €10m – _about seven million pounds_– above the reported Hammers current offer.
Bournemouth’s **Hamed Junior Traore** is seen as another who could replace Paquetá, and after a season-long successful loan at AJ Auxerre would be a West Ham – friendly €20 million signing and another attacking midfielder with flair.
Likely the Hammers are dragging their feet until the outcome of Paquetá’s hearing is known – as they’ll either have a £30 million-plus budget to replace their magnifico – or zero, depending on the outcome. Which is a sobering thought.
_Lucas Paquetá denies all of the allegations made against him._