West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Wed 11 June 2025 10:10, UK
Lucas Paqueta’s future at West Ham, and further afield, hangs in the balance.
The Brazilian has been a key part of the East London outfit since his arrival back in 2022.
However, the wait for an outcome of Paqueta’s FA hearing over alleged betting offences could result in a lifetime ban.
Furthermore, with PSR concerns hanging over David Sullivan‘s head, a sale could benefit the Hammers this summer.
Manchester City have previously shown interest in the midfielder, but until the outcome of the hearing is confirmed, all parties are forced to sit and wait.
Graham Potter
Potter is awaiting the outcome of Paqueta’s hearing. (Credit: Imago)
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Paqueta reacts to new Manchester City announcement
The FA hearing over Paqueta’s alleged behaviour has now concluded, although the outcome of the investigation is yet to be shared.
The 27-year-old has denied any wrongdoing, but until any update is confirmed, it would be hard for any deal to be struck for an exit, with the risk that a lifetime ban could follow if he was found guilty.
Manchester City have seemingly moved on when it comes to interest in the Brazilian, too, finding a different option to fulfil their needs.
That is after Pep Guardiola’s men announced the signing of one-time West Ham target Rayan Cherki for a reported fee of £30.45million on Tuesday (10 June).
Player Appearances Goals Assists
Paqueta 33 4 0
Cherki 30 8 11
Paqueta has struggled with the case being a distraction.
The addition to the Sky Blues’ squad surely ends any possibility of Paqueta making the move to Manchester now, with Guardiola seemingly eager to get on with his transfer work rather than wait.
Despite what the announcement is likely to mean for his own future, Paqueta reacted to the announcement by liking Manchester City’s post.
West Ham can still cash in on Paqueta
The waiting game is proving to be frustrating for all parties, hence why City have made the choice to move on from their interest.
As the Hammers look to offload some of their bigger-money players to free up cash to spend this summer, cashing in on Paqueta would be a big boost.
Naturally, though, not many are willing to take such a risk with the outcome of the investigation hanging over his head.
It has, however, been reported that Flamengo are willing to take advantage of the situation and look to take Paqueta back to Brazil for a fee of £29.5m.
However, given that Manchester City had agreed to sign him for £80m two years ago, the decrease in value is a blow for West Ham.
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