Lucas Paqueta likely ‘foots hearing bill’ as West Ham star awaits outcome
Lucas Paqueta is still awaiting news on the outcome of his spot-fixing hearing away from West Ham.
The Brazilian was charged with alleged betting offences, with the worst-case scenario of his trial a possible lifetime ban, although he has always denied it.
Paqueta was given the choice to play by West Ham while the hearing was continuing and has since featured against Wolves and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Paqueta bill mounts up away from West Ham
Dan Plumley has reacted to the latest developments, with the hearing seemingly coming to an end, sharing whether West Ham would have likely contributed.
The football finance expert believes that Paqueta would be footing the bill, as he looks to clear his name and continue with his career.
“I would imagine that would be the player himself,” he exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“I think it would be unlikely the club would be covering huge legal fees, would be my take on it. We don’t know, ultimately, but I think that logic dictates that the player himself would be footing the bill for that one.”
David Sullivan watches on as Paqueta hearing continues
Sullivan isn’t afraid to put himself and West Ham first, and Paqueta will know that.
Paqueta and his lawyers are said to be happy with how the hearing has gone so far, but it is impossible to have confidence in one certain outcome.
With a lifetime ban possible if found guilty, the playmaker will not be getting ahead of himself.
With Manchester City and Pep Guardiola potentially circling again for a possible summer transfer after failing just before this all came to light, there are huge ramifications on the line.
West Ham will also have a keen interest in earning as much money as possible from a transfer away should Paqueta be cleared and want to move on.
| West Ham – last four results | Result |
| Bournemouth (H) | D 2-2 |
| Wolves (A) | L 0-1 |
| Everton (A) | D 1-1 |
| Newcastle (H) | L 0-1 |
The Irons and Graham Potter are unlikely to put up too much of a fight if Paqueta was cleared and wants to move on; he hasn’t exactly set the world alight this season.
All of this controversy is becoming too much, and there has to be a time when you separate for the better of the club, and this might be now.