Lucas Paqueta and West Ham relationship ‘has changed amid ongoing crisis’
Lucas Paqueta’s relationship with West Ham is understood to have changed as the midfielder awaits a verdict on his spot-fixing charges.
Paqueta is accused of deliberately getting himself booked on four separate occasions between November 2022 and August 2023 to influence betting markets.
West Ham are worried and uncertain about Paqueta behind the scenes, even though the Brazilian playmaker has consistently denied all allegations levelled his way.
After an initial three-week hearing, Paqueta’s spot-fixing verdict has been adjourned until the summer. Therefore, it means the 27-year-old can continue to feature until the end of the season, with speculation emerging over the player’s relationship with the Hammers.
‘Paqueta and West Ham’s relationship is changing’
It is a hugely concerning time for both Paqueta and West Ham surrounding the ongoing probe.
Paqueta has continued to feature in Graham Potter’s plans. However, the Brazilian has often delivered inconsistent performances despite his clear talent, frustrating fans further in an all-around anti-climax of a campaign.
| Lucas Paqueta – games investigated | Booking offence | Date |
| West Ham 0-2 Leicester | Lunge | 12 November 2022 |
| West Ham 1-1 Aston Villa | Lunge | 12 March 2023 |
| West Ham 3-1 Leeds | Cynical pull-back | 21 May 2023 |
| West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth | Handball | 12 August 2023 |
TV commentator Ian Darke is curious about the West Ham star, and credited the way he performed when Potter’s side were cruelly beaten late on by champions-elect Liverpool (13 April).
Darke described Paqueta as a “mood” player, and acknowledged that his and the Hammers’ relationship could strengthen over the times of turbulence.
“Paqueta looked pretty pumped up at Anfield when they were unlucky against Liverpool. He was at the heart of West Ham’s good performance,” Darke exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“He looked something like back to his best, when he’s been having a difficult time. He is just one of those mood-type players who can be absolutely brilliant one day and frustrating the next. There are a few basics he may not do. However, you have to buy into that with a maverick player like him.
“What he can do is a lot. Therefore, if he can get past the career crisis with the betting allegations against him, he can go on to perform well. You’d like to think West Ham have stuck by him, and his love for the club has grown amid all this.”
Hammers in wretched 17th place with Paqueta still available
West Ham know Paqueta is available until an outcome is reached on what is a meticulous and thorough investigation.
While the Irons are admittedly unsure of how the future will turn out, the Brazilian can still influence matches between now and the season’s end, albeit without a great deal to play for.
West Ham were gunning for Europe when they planned for this season. However, they now find themselves directly above the relegation zone, yet to reach the 40-point barrier despite knowing their safety for months.
Next up comes familiar territory for Potter, who takes his team down to Brighton & Hove Albion (26 April).