Lucas Paqueta lawyers strike agreement in West Ham United availability update
Lucas Paqueta will be available to feature for West Ham United for the majority of next season, according to The Times.
Writing on their website (17 July), the Times said Paqueta’s defence lawyers have been granted an extension to respond to the FA’s charges of spot-fixing against the Brazil international due to the complexity of the case.
The outcome of the process could be delayed until the end of the season, or beyond, meaning Paqueta will be available for selection for the majority – if not all – of the coming campaign.
The 26-year-old was charged by the FA with four separate incidents of spot-fixing. It is alleged he purposely got himself booked in four Premier League matches. Paqueta has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
West Ham will have Paqueta available despite charges
Paqueta has denied any wrongdoing in reference to the charges and recently featured in the Brazil squad at Copa America.
The news of his availability for the majority of the campaign will be news to Julen Lopetegui and he can seemingly include the Brazilian in his plans for his first season in charge at the London stadium.
Paqueta will be allowed to play until the disciplinary process is concluded but there is still uncertainty surrounding his long-term future at the club despite the news.
Paqueta was on the brink of a move to Manchester City last summer, but the deal broke down in light of the FA charges (Sky Sports, 22 August 2023).
The Brazilian will get the chance to play Premier League football next season but whether it will be his last, remains to be seen.
But for now, at least, he can continue a fruitful attacking partnership with the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen that he had last term.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have launched a £29million bid for a player after his Euro 2024 displays.
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