Lucas Paqueta nearly joined Manchester City from West Ham United back in August 2023.
Unfortunately for Lucas Paqueta, the £85 million move to Manchester City failed to materialise, after it emerged that the West Ham man was being investigated for potential breaches of betting rules.
Then one year later, he was officially charged for his alleged role in the betting scam.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could be banned for life if he is found guilty of those charges.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
The trial he’s currently going through has lasted two weeks up to now. However, it will probably take another week until a resolution is reached.
And it has been claimed that Paqueta could play for West Ham on Tuesday against Wolves.
Now a brand new twist has come to light that will undoubtedly set the pulses racing at the London Stadium.
Enormous Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City twist
Pep Guardiola is clearly a very big fan of the mercurial South American midfielder.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
He certainly has the talent to play in a Manchester City midfield.
However, when his move to The Etihad collapsed in the summer of 2023, many thought that was very much that.
It appears as though that might not be the case though.
According to Claret and Hugh, the door is still wide open for Lucas Paqueta to join Manchester City this summer.
That’s quite the twist. After his move to The Etihad Stadium collapsed in August 2023, it seemed like his hopes of playing under Guardiola were very much dead and buried.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
However, in order for the Brazilian to have any chance whatsoever of joining Man City, he needs to be found not guilty of all the charges levelled against him.
If there is an opportunity to move to The Etihad, the former Lyon man will undoubtedly be all over it.
West Ham need Lucas Paqueta not guilty verdict more than ever
Let’s not forget, Lucas Paqueta sulked in West Ham training when his moved to Man City collapsed 19 months ago.
West Ham need Lucas Paqueta to be found innocent more than ever ever, with Manchester City still keeping an eye on him.
It will mean that the Hammers will be able to get a lucrative fee for him this summer. Maybe not the £85 million that was quoted in 2023, but anywhere around £40-50 million would be a major result for us.
Graham Potter desperately needs to completely rebuild his squad at the London Stadium this summer.
He needs to inject more energy, athleticism, dynamism and youth into his ranks. Signing players with those attributes won’t come cheap, and funds are tight in East London right now.
So the chance for West Ham to sell Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City this summer would be an unbelievable and very much unexpected bonus.
The Hammers desperately need the Brazilian to be found innocent.