Graham Potter has sent a stinging message to the Football Association about Lucas Paqueta as his spot-fixing case rumbles on.
Lucas Paqueta may have already played his last game for West Ham United.
The Brazilian was an unused substitute when West Ham beat Man United last week.
That came after Paqueta burst into tears when he was booked in West Ham’s 1-1 draw with bitter rivals Spurs the week before.
Paqueta’s wife blasted the FA on social media after that game.
A leading journalist claimed Hammers fans may have seen the last of Paqueta against Spurs.
Paqueta to bid West Ham farewell one way or another
Because if he is found guilty of spot-fixing then the Football Association are pushing for a lifetime ban.
And if he isn’t then West Ham, who are at their PSR limit, will sell the Brazilian magnifico to raise funds for Graham Potter to spend on his much-needed rebuild.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Potter was honest about why Paqueta was left out of West Ham’s side for their last game.
He admitted the resumption of the hearing into his alleged involvement in spot-fixing was taking its toll on the playmaker. West Ham’s manager also stated Paqueta had picked up a cold.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
The Hammers’ clash with Nottingham Forest is the club’s last home game of a miserable campaign.
And for Paqueta – one way or another – it will be his last time appearing before West Ham’s home fans.
West Ham revealed they are planning at least five signings this summer, if not more.
The problem is the club have made it clear they must sell players first before making signings to satisfy strict PSR regulations.
Potter and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay are planning an overhaul around young, hungry talent.
Angry Potter demands FA sort Paqueta mess
If he beats the case, Paqueta will be sold – likely back to his boyhood club Flamengo – while the likes of Mohammed Kudus will be offloaded to boost the transfer kitty too.
The Paqueta case is expected to last another three to four weeks, running into June.
The summer transfer window opens on June 1 this year.
Now an angry Potter has demanded the FA sort the Paqueta mess out so he can start his big West Ham rebuild.
The protracted case – which first emerged in August 2023 – is making Paqueta physically ill as it rumbles on nearly two years later, according to West Ham’s manager.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Potter needs Paqueta outcome to start big West Ham rebuild
And Potter has made it clear it is simply not fair, not only on Paqueta but him and West Ham too as they want to start making changes for next season.
“Obviously, you know what it’s like, sometimes you are in stress and pressure, it can manifest itself in a different way,” Potter told the printed press, as reported by The Sun.
“For everybody concerned, yes (we need clarity from the FA hearing as soon as possible).
“The sooner the better for everyone.
“In fairness to Lucas, he’s handled it brilliantly. Generally he’s come in and conducted himself in a really good way.”
West Ham have already lined up their Paqueta replacement – as revealed by Hammers News this week.
Potter and Macaulay want Paqueta’s 20-year-old compatriot Breno Bidon – who has a £13m release clause at Corinthians.
Hammers News understands West Ham will look to make at least £20m by selling Paqueta if he beats the charges.
Flamengo’s Brazilian rivals Botafogo – who play one another on Sunday night – are also interested as their owner John Textor is a huge fan of West Ham’s record £51m signing.
Offloading Paqueta will also free up £150k from West Ham’s weekly wage bill – a saving of £600k per month and £7.2m per year.