There has been a shock development in the case against Lucas Paqueta but are Manchester City one of the three clubs who are reportedly waiting for the West Ham star.
A big money move to take Lucas Paqueta from West Ham to Manchester City was so advanced it has been used as evidence in the spot-fixing case which resulted in it collapsing.
The reason for Paqueta’s breakdown during West Ham’s clash with Spurs was revealed last month.
It stemmed from the fact the spot-fixing case against the Brazilian has resumed with a verdict expected by the end of June.
An investigation into yellow cards Paqueta received was announced in August 2023 – scuppering an £80m move to Manchester City.
It was reported in the aftermath that Pep Guardiola was willing to wait for Paqueta to be cleared in order for Man City to resurrect the move with West Ham.
But the case has now rumbled on for nearly two years.
Case finally nearing conclusion for West Ham star Paqueta
There has been claim and counterclaim about the expected outcome.
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The FA want Paqueta banned for life if he is found guilty of deliberately getting booked on several occasions to influence betting markets.
West Ham’s record £51m signing has always protested his innocence.
But his tears in the game against Spurs and Paqueta’s bizarre farewell to Hammers fans have been interpreted as an indication he is worried about the outcome.
Paqueta previously described a move to Man City as a ‘dream’.
At 27, the playmaker should still have some of his best years left in him.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
If Paqueta is cleared in the case, he will be sold by West Ham who need to raise funds for signings due to reaching their PSR limit.
So are Man City one of mystery trio waiting for West Ham star Paqueta after a shock legal twist?
The Brazil international midfielder has renowned barrister Nick De Marco KC in his corner.
The FA know all about De Marco, who has a reputation as one of the most prominent figures in the current legal soap opera that is the Premier League and English football.
He is dubbed ‘The Godfather’ of sports law and his successes include representing Benjamin Mendy in his £11m claim for unpaid wages from Manchester City.
Are Man City waiting for Paqueta after shock legal twist?
When Paqueta was required to give evidence in the case against him, one of his key arguments involved his collapsed move to Man City.
As reported by the likes of The Daily Mail at the time, David Moyes was called to corroborate Paqueta’s claim that he asked not to play in a West Ham game at Bournemouth so as not to jeopardise his then imminent move to the Etihad.
The rationale being how could he have planned the yellow card he received in that game – which is one of the four forming the basis of the case – if he had no intention of playing for the Hammers that day.
Now Claret and Hugh have claimed a top Hammers source has told them Paqueta and his legal team are ‘more confident he’ll be cleared than ever’.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
It has also been confirmed for the avoidance of doubt that the £150k-per-week star won’t be at West Ham next season with at least three unnamed clubs ‘waiting on the decision’.
It has been reported that the West Ham star’s boyhood club Flamengo and fellow Brazilian outfit Botafogo are keen to bring him home.
Amid all the speculation Paqueta dropped a big hint where his heart is when he leaves West Ham.
But could Man City be the surprise third club patiently biding their time to finally bring him to the club – and for a much lower fee?
Back in April, Guardiola reportedly told Man City he still wants to sign Paqueta.
Hammers will be hoping Man City come through for Paqueta
If the star’s legal team are more confident than ever he will be cleared then what would have changed in the six weeks since?
Man City are embarking on a big rebuild and need a new creative influence in midfield following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.
While Flamengo are a huge club, there are doubts they or any Brazilian club have the kind of money West Ham would want for Paqueta.
The Hammers are said to be looking for at least £25-30m for the former Lyon and Milan star.
That would be pocket change to Man City.
So David Sullivan and co will be hoping Manchester City are indeed the mystery third club lying in wait for Paqueta.