Lucas Paqueta ‘biggest loser’ at West Ham after David Ornstein transfer update
Lucas Paqueta has had a frustrating season at West Ham United after being embroiled in a legal battle with the FA.
The FA launched an investigation into Paqueta after he picked up a yellow card for a handball offence in the 93rd minute of West Ham’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
He has since been accused of deliberately getting himself booked in four separate games between November 2022 and August 2023 to influence betting markets, with a punishment as severe as a lifetime ban from football under consideration.
A three-week hearing that started in March has ended, but the Brazil international is still awaiting the verdict, which has been adjourned until the end of the season.
David Ornstein transfer update will frustrate Paqueta
While Paqueta is now free to play for West Ham until the end of the season, the wait will certainly frustrate him, as his career remains in limbo.
The uncertainty appears to have affected the 27-year-old’s performances this season, with the player having only four goals in his 27 Premier League appearances.
| Matches | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
| 30 | 2144′ | 5 | 0 |
Paqueta may also miss out on a big transfer away from the London Stadium because of the case.
According to David Ornstein, Manchester City are looking at options to replace Kevin De Bruyne, who has already announced his departure this summer.
The journalist reported via The Athletic (8 April) website that Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz are under consideration at Manchester City.
There is no mention of Paqueta, despite the attacker being constantly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium.
It is very likely that the Cityzens are not considering a move for the former Lyon ace due to the uncertainty over his future in football.
🚨 Morgan Gibbs-White + Florian Wirtz among multiple options Manchester City will consider to replace Kevin De Bruyne this summer. #MCFC weren’t prioritising transfer targets until sporting director Viana fully in position so can ramp up now @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/uicdRsLJok
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) April 8, 2025
West Ham to miss out on huge Paqueta transfer fee
It is worth noting that Paqueta has already seen a transfer to Manchester City collapse due to the ongoing case.
The Premier League heavyweights had agreed to sign the Brazilian for £80million when the FA informed them of the investigation, leading them to withdraw their interest.
Therefore, Paqueta, who has maintained that he is innocent, has every right to be frustrated with the developments around his career.
While he may be cleared of any wrongdoing at the end of the season, it might still be too late for Manchester City to rekindle their interest in him.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be determined to make significant progress in their efforts to sign a replacement for De Bruyne even before the summer transfer window has opened.
This is why Paqueta is the biggest loser of the latest Ornstein transfer bombshell away from West Ham.