Lucas Paqueta, David Sullivan
(Credit: Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Fri 16 May 2025 12:40, UK
Lucas Paqueta is at a crossroads in his career at West Ham United as his legal battle with the FA drags on.
The Brazil international is still awaiting the verdict of his battle with the FA, who accuse him of deliberately getting himself booked in four separate games between November 2022 and August 2023 to influence betting markets.
While there was a three-week hearing in March, the verdict of the case has been adjourned until the end of the season, much to West Ham’s frustration.
This has also weighed heavily on the attacker, who was reduced to tears after receiving a yellow card in the Irons’ 1-1 Premier League draw against Tottenham on 4 May.
Lucas Paqueta’s trial is postponed
Paqueta’s future in football remains uncertain (Credit: Imago)
West Ham to sell Paqueta
West Ham have continued to back Paqueta during the battle, with the 27-year-old also maintaining that he is innocent.
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However, the East London outfit fear the worst for the former Lyon star internally, according to RTI Esporte.
The Brazilian news outlet reported via their website on Friday (16 May) that the Hammers are worried that Paqueta might be handed a punishment as severe as a lifetime ban.
Matches Goals Minutes per Goal Minutes
34 5 499′ 2494′
Paqueta’s record for West Ham this season.
Therefore, West Ham have admitted that they could be forced to offload the Brazilian when the summer transfer window opens.
The Irons board members are prepared to cut their losses on Paqueta by selling him, especially if the FA’s verdict is unfavourable.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan
David Sullivan has a decision to make regarding Paqueta. (Credit: Imago)
Flamengo want Paqueta
Meanwhile, Flamengo are in ‘active talks’ with the player’s entourage.
The Brazilian Serie A giants are hopeful that Paqueta will be acquitted and, therefore, hope to sign him this summer.
They are prepared to make an offer to sign him on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent.
It remains to be seen if West Ham will agree to such an arrangement, especially if Paqueta is acquitted.
There is no reason to believe that the Hammers will offload the attacker if he is proven innocent.
They may also be unable to sell him if he is handed a lifetime ban from football.
However, Flamengo’s proposal may be attractive to them if Paqueta is slapped with an extended suspension instead.
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