Lucas Paqueta charge to hit West Ham United transfer plans at London Stadium
West Ham United and Julen Lopetegui may be affected by the issues surrounding Lucas Paqueta in the transfer market this summer, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The FA has charged the Brazilian star for allegedly getting booked intentionally with the purpose of influencing bets.
It is unclear as to how long it could take for Paqueta to receive a punishment but a lifetime ban could be possible [The Times].
In a post to X (23 May), Steinberg suggested this news could seriously impact the Hammers and their activity in the summer transfer window.
He said: “West Ham and Lopetegui’s transfer plans likely to be impacted by Lucas Paqueta situation. They expected him to join Man City for £85m.”
West Ham United to be hurt by Lucas Paqueta news
Although the Hammers won’t want to lose Paqueta in the summer, with Manchester City offering a huge fee it was going to prove hard to turn down.
With the FFP concerns that every Premier League club is dealing with this summer, sales are necessary to fund incoming transfers.
Lopetegui has come in and will be looking to put his spin on this West Ham squad but it may prove difficult now.
Pep Guardiola isn’t going to want to sign a player with a potential lengthy ban hanging over them. Especially not for a fee upwards of £80m.
The Brazilian has been an asset for the Hammers since joining from Lyon and if he had joined City this summer he would be missed.
The latest news seems like he could be missed on the pitch but no funds will come in if he is banned by the FA.
It remains unclear as to how long it will take before he receives a punishment but while waiting a move away hangs in the balance.
In other West Ham news, Steidten has his eyes set on a striker from German invincible champions Bayer Leverkusen.
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