West Ham to reject Saudi Arabia approach for Lucas Paqueta amid FA uncertainty
Dan Bardell believes Lucas Paqueta will stay at West Ham United until his FA charges are resolved despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
According to a report from ESPN (19 June), Al Nassr are considering a move for the Brazilian as they look to sign an attacking midfielder.
This move may prove to be complicated after FA charges for betting offences could result in a lengthy ban into next season.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell has suggested a move to Saudi Arabia could be positive but remains unlikely with all the uncertainty.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Bardell said: “Until the betting charges are sorted out, he’ll be going nowhere.
“Depending on when it all gets sorted that could benefit West Ham, he’s a real talent and is a regular starter for Brazil.
“If they lose him they will struggle to find anyone who is better. I think keeping hold of him is key but all this stuff going on around him is certainly a big worry.
“If he was to go to Saudi Arabia then West Ham would probably easily double their money on him but I just think they’ll wait until the whole situation blows over before signing him.“
Lucas Paqueta could leave West Ham for Saudi Arabia
Tim Steidten is already making waves in the transfer window, already confirming the signing of Luis Guilherme in a statement move.
He clearly knows what he wants to add to his squad this summer but that won’t come for free and he needs to free up funds this summer.
This could see someone like Paqueta being used as a makeweight to allow the Hammers to add new players to Julen Lopetegui’s squad.
There is clear interest in him but this has been impacted by the charges that are surrounding him this summer.
It is unclear as to whether clubs are going to take a chance on him with a punishment by way of a ban potentially being readied.
The Saudi league throw up massive transfer fees and wages but even they are backing off from a deal until this issue is resolved which may take some time.
Paqueta looks set to start the season with West Ham and after a summer of playing in the Copa America could be beneficial to them.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to secure the transfer of a player who’s set to leave Tottenham Hotspur this month.
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