Lucas Paqueta
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Sun 3 August 2025 8:47, UK
Lucas Paqueta has endured a turbulent time at West Ham United for events that have occurred off the pitch.
The Brazil international has performed well, which led to reports of a move to former Premier League champions Man City in the past.
However, Paqueta was investigated by the FA over allegations of spot-fixing, which scuppered his potential transfer.
Now, the midfielder has been cleared, and a lawyer has spoken out over what he could do next.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta gestures during warm-up
The 27-year-old will want to show his class on the pitch (Credit: Imago)
What action could Paqueta take?
After Paqueta was cleared of the FA charges, the player’s lawyer issued a rare statement claiming he was over the moon for his client.
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While the midfielder could remain at the London Stadium, there have been reports that West Ham want £50-60million for Paqueta.
Although the Brazilian may have been cleared of gambling charges, two charges claiming that he failed to cooperate with the process were upheld.
May 2024: FA formally charges Paqueta with four counts of spot-fixing
July 2025: Independent commission clears Paqueta
Sanctions pending: Disciplinary measures still expected for the cooperation failures
Now, Paqueta’s legal team are awaiting the commission’s written findings before deciding whether to appeal against the decision that he failed to give investigators the required help, according to Daily Star Sunday (3 August, page 41).
The publication reports that there have been suggestions that Paqueta could now sue the FA for damages.
“I’ve seen suggestions that it’s embarrassing for the FA, but I don’t agree with that because their role as a regulator means they have to bring charges if they feel there’s a case to answer,” said lawyer Alastair Campbell, at the law firm Level.
“The charges brought against Lucas were incredibly serious. The sheer scale of evidence and information from both sides has been massive. That’s why this has taken two years.
“Lucas was very emotional when I told him the decision. To have this weighing on his shoulders, knowing all along that he didn’t do what he had been accused of, was so hard.”
Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta has featured in pre-season (Credit: Imago)
Will Paqueta remain at West Ham?
Given the midfielder has some clarity over his legal situation, all eyes are on his Hammers future.
Paqueta has shown his quality during his time in East London, hence why he has been of interest to Man City.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta's seasons.
Paqueta’s goal contributions over the last three seasons (Credit: Imago)
However, considerable time has passed since the Citizens’ initial interest, and it remains to be seen whether they will return.
The Irons can still demand a substantial figure for the Brazilian, although it will likely be less than what they would have initially been able to get.
Of course, there is every chance that the 27-year-old remains at the London Stadium, and if he does, he will be a key player for Graham Potter.
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