There are a few similarities connecting Chelsea misfit Joao Felix and West Ham United’s mercurial Brazil international Lucas Paqueta.
A current AC Milan playmaker and a former AC Milan playmaker. Two extremely talented footballers who, for varying reasons, are struggling to unleash their full potential, whether it be through a lack of a consistent home, or those distracting off-field issues.
Joao Felix, once the fourth-most expensive footballer in the history of the game lest we forget, has started only ten league games this season for Chelsea and AC Milan respectively.
And while reports claiming Lucas Paqueta had played his last game for West Ham proved to be wide of the mark – he featured in last week’s defeat to Nottingham Forest – the Brazil international still has a lifetime ban hanging over him.
His future in professional football – let alone at West Ham United – in serious doubt.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Joao Felix snub leaves Flamengo open for West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta
Reports this month have suggested that West Ham may look to cash in and cut ties.
Flamengo would jump at the chance to bring Lucas Paqueta back to Brazil in normal circumstances. Especially for a reported fee of just £25 million.
However, there is nothing ‘normal’ about the situation Paqueta finds himself in.
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Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola claims that a return to Flamengo is ‘impossible’ for Lucas Paqueta until it is revealed whether he has been found guilty or whether he has been acquitted of spot-fixing offences [The Telegraph].
His fate is expected to be announced at some point in June.
In the meantime, Flamengo have approached the aforementioned Joao Felix. Talks with sporting director Jose Boto did not last long, however.
As the three-time Copa Libertadores champions wait with bated breath the outcome of Paqueta’s hearing, Felix’s decision to turn down a switch to Brazil means their pursuit of a marquee attacking-midfield option may rest on the fate of West Ham’s embattled number ten.
“The Portuguese forward gave a definitive answer to Flamengo, bringing an end to negotiations,” Nicola explains. “It was this Thursday, through a video call with Jose Boto. He spoke with a forward who belongs to Chelsea, along with his representative.
“Joao Felix said thank you for the offer and said he had been following Flamengo, but that he intends to stay in European football.
“The only possibility of negotiations with Flamengo are if all negotiations with European clubs fail.”
Flamengo watch Paqueta case closely ahead of potential June verdict
Lucas Paqueta was in tears after picking up a booking in the recent 1-1 derby draw with Tottenham Hotspur; All that stress getting the better of a footballer struggling to keep his emotions in check.
The good news is that, with a verdict expected to be reached within the next few weeks, there will at least be some clarity after two years of speculation and uncertainty.
“The big question that remains is; Which club from Brazil or abroad will open negotiations with West Ham for the purchase of Paqueta?” Nicola said a few days ago. “Knowing that, at any time, the result of the case [will be revealed].
“There is a real risk of him being banned from football.
“Flamengo follows the Paqueta situation very closely because they understand he would be a great addition to the red and black team. But it is impossible to imagine any kind of proposal from Flamengo before the result of the trial.”