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Graham Potter must be thinking proactively ahead of a world without key midfield man Lucas Paqueta, should alleged betting breaches result in a ban.
West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta could be handed a lifetime ban by the FA should allegations of betting infringements be proven at a hearing this month, which would be nothing short of a monumental blow for Graham Potter and the London outfit.
The Brazilian has become a linchpin in the side since his £51 million move from Lyon in 2022. Already, he has emerged as a favourite under Potter thanks to his versatility but now the new Hammers boss could face preparing for life without the 27-year-old.
Paqueta has denied the four alleged breaches of FA betting rules but talkSPORT this week report that the governing body are ‘pushing’ for a lifetime ban should he be found guilty. In an Instagram post last October, Paqueta wrote: “I am frustrated and saddened to read incorrect and false articles in the press, both in Brazil and England, claiming to know details about my case.
Lucas Paqueta denies FA betting charges
"Some of this information is completely false and seems to be coming out to damage my image. I am also concerned that, even though this information is false, these articles cite sources close to the case. The FA's proceedings are supposedly confidential, and this situation is extremely serious for me and my family. The continued leaking and publication of false information is jeopardising my ability to receive a fair trial.
"Therefore, I have asked my lawyers to write to the FA to request an investigation into how this information, whether true or false, is being made public. I will continue to deny the charges and hope to prove my innocence."
Only time will tell what the outcome is but even talk of a lifetime ban should be enough to kick West Ham into immediate action ahead of a summer transfer. The club has already been linked with a move for Lille and England international Angel Gomes, who can play both attacking and defensive midfield, and the 24-year-old could be the ideal replacement.
Gomes has proven his quality in Ligue 1, playing over 100 times for Lille since 2020, and been fully blooded on the international stage. Following his call up into the England set-up last year, Lee Carsley said: "Technically and tactically he is excellent and he's a player people are going to be really excited to see.
"Angel's different to what we've got in terms of a player who can play deeper but play like a ten. He's very skillful, the way he can receive balls, the way he can control games.”
Carsley added: "He absolutely loves football. He watches football, he's interested in tactics, he knows all the players in any league.
"If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we're going to build up, or the positions.
"He'll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he's done at other clubs or what he's played against, because obviously he's playing in France so he sees different things. He fully deserves it (his call-up)."
West Ham must look to beat Spurs and Man Utd to free transfer coup
There’s no doubting Gomes’ quality and it seems a given that he will impress in the Premier League. West Ham do face competition for his signing with other top flight sides aware of the value a free transfer could offer - the midfielder’s contract at Lille is up this summer.
That has put clubs not only in the UK but across Europe on high alert, including Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Writing in his GiveMeSport newsletter this week, Romano was asked if Gomes was ‘destined’ for the Premier League this summer. He said: “Yes, Premier League is a possibility for Angel Gomes while also clubs in the Bundesliga asked for information to his new agents. He will 100% leave Lille.”
Last month, TBR Football had claimed that Spurs had ‘stepped up’ their efforts to convince Gomes to join Ange Postecoglou’s project in North London. A product of the Manchester United youth academy, Gomes made 10 senior appearances for the Red Devils, making his debut at the tender age of 16. He then left Old Trafford at the end of his contract to join Lille in 2022.
TBR Football went as far as to claim that Spurs are determined to put themselves at the 'front of the queue' to recruit Gomes this summer, but West Ham must now look to outmuscle their London rivals.
In other news, ex West Ham and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has been linked with a sensational Premier League management return.