West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta is still awaiting the result of his betting hearing.
(Credit: Imago)
West Ham Zone Speaking to Ian Darke
Fri 23 May 2025 7:40, UK
Lucas Paqueta could make a huge amount of money for West Ham.
The Brazilian superstar’s career is currently in limbo as he awaits the outcome of a Football Association hearing into betting offences.
The Irons star is accused of deliberately getting himself booked on four occasions, with the FA seeking a lifetime ban if Paqueta is found guilty.
The 27-year-old denies any wrongdoing. However, that cloud hanging over him has hampered his plans to seal a big move away from East London.
Paqueta faces an uncertain future (Credit: Imago)
Man City almost signed Paqueta, deal was ‘more or less done’
Paqueta has attracted significant interest in the past, being heavily linked with an exit from the London Stadium outfit, with Manchester City reportedly in hot pursuit.
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Iconic commentator Ian Darke has revealed that a move to Pep Guardiola’s side was almost complete before the charges were brought.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Darke said, “It’s been going on, hasn’t it, we await a result on it.
“Before this was hanging over him, he was about to move to Manchester City, which was a more or less done deal, but I don’t think it is going to be revived now.
“He is a fully-fledged Brazilian international who, at his best, is a gamechanger, so maybe if they get this settled, they can make quite a big amount of cash from him.”
Graham Potter
Graham Potter needs Paqueta’s future to be resolved (Credit: Imago)
West Ham need a resolution as soon as possible
The sooner Paqueta’s hearing ends, the better for the Hammers as they can start making way with their summer plans.
Potter could haul in a significant profit if he decides that Paqueta’s future lies away from E20, but that is only if the midfielder is found to be innocent.
Stats (Premier League) Paqueta
Matches 32
Goals 4
Assists 0
Minutes played 2,374
Paqueta’s stats this season.
If a guilty verdict is handed down, then it will likely be curtains for Paqueta’s career, and David Sullivan and Potter would have to come up with new plans to raise funds.
It is vital that they do so, either way, because the squad is in desperate need of improvement.
Alternatively, if they want to keep Paqueta’s services, they need to know whether the playmaker will be allowed to play, otherwise, it will be another position that they need to strengthen.
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