West Ham United face win-win Lucas Paqueta situation as news emerges from Brazil
West Ham United are set for a win-win scenario as Flamengo want to sign Lucas Paqueta regardless of any potential punishments from his FA charges.
ESPN Brazil has reported (4 July) that negotiations between the Hammers and the Serie A side are currently in “their early stages”.
Flamengo are interested in Paqueta on either a loan or permanent deal while also being willing to “back up the contract” if FIFA-level sanctions are placed on the 26-year-old.
This will be the case even if the attacker is prevented from playing which could be possible depending on the severity of any potential punishments.
If this deal is to go through, the Hammers will benefit from a sale as they will recoup some transfer funds despite Paqueta potentially being unable to play.
Flamengo want Lucas Paqueta from West Ham
If the Brazilian side wants to fork out for Paqueta then Julen Lopetegui could look to cash in and allow for additional transfer funds this summer.
A move to Flamengo could make sense but not on a loan. If the Hammers loan him out they are no better and no worse irrespective of the punishment situation.
Based on previous betting charges in the two years in the Premier League with Ivan Toney and Sandro Tonali, a lengthy ban could be likely.
Initial interest had been shown by Manchester City for the Brazilian but his betting charges from the FA halted that deal.
This had seen the Hammers grow hopeful of keeping hold of their star moving into the new season although punishment may be coming.
Paqueta is easily one of West Ham’s best players and they will be hopeful of keeping hold of him beyond the summer transfer window.
If they do keep hold of him, this could see West Ham receive no financial benefit while losing their star man potentially for many months of the campaign.
A sell to Flamengo this summer could prove to benefit all parties despite not being the most ideal situation for the Hammers.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are readying themselves for a battle with Wolves for Kelechi Iheanacho.
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