Lucas Paqueta, Graham Potter
(Credit: Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Wed 14 May 2025 15:40, UK
West Ham United are seemingly being forced to sell Lucas Paqueta amid his legal battle with the FA.
Paqueta has been a key player for West Ham since joining them in 2022, but the last few months have been stressful for both the club and the player.
The Brazil international is entangled in a legal battle with the Football Association after being accused of deliberately getting himself booked on four separate occasions between November 2022 and August 2023 to manipulate betting markets.
Following a three-week hearing in March, it emerged that the verdict of the case has been adjourned until the end of the season.
In the worst case scenario, Paqueta could be handed a lifetime ban from football, much to his and the Irons’ concern.
Lucas Paqueta’s trial is postponed
Paqueta’s future in football remains uncertain (Credit: Imago)
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Flamengo want Paqueta transfer for Club World Cup
West Ham have continued to back Paqueta, who has also maintained his innocence, throughout the battle.
However, the East London outfit appear to be increasingly tempted to offload the 27-year-old to avoid further complications.
West Ham have included Paqueta in the list of players available for transfer this summer, according to Pablo Rua.
Matches Goals Minutes per Goal Minutes
34 5 499′ 2494′
Paqueta’s record for West Ham this season.
The Brazilian journalist reported via the Coluna do Fla website (13 May) that Graham Potter’s side are open to offers for the attack and are willing to sell him for £29.5million.
Meanwhile, Flamengo are prepared to take advantage of the situation by luring Paqueta back to Brazil.
The Brazilian Serie A giants view the former Lyon ace as an ideal candidate to add creativity to their squad, especially with the Club World Cup coming up.
🚨 Paquetá segue no radar do Flamengo e pode ser investida real, caso julgamento tenha desfecho antes da janela. O jogador chegaria como opção da "camisa 10".
O valor de mercado do meia do West Ham caiu a o clube inglês já considera uma venda por 35 milhões de euros.
João… pic.twitter.com/lriLma8Id3
— Pablo Rua (@PabloRaphaelRUA) May 13, 2025
View Tweet
West Ham set for big loss
It is worth noting that West Ham forked out £36.5m to sign Paqueta from Lyon in 2022.
This means the Hammers are to make a loss on the Brazilian by offloading him for £29.5m, especially considering Manchester City had agreed to sign him for £80m two years ago.
Meanwhile, the East London outfit may have to bin hopes of cutting their losses on Paqueta entirely if he is handed a lifetime ban from football.
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