West Ham exit on the cards as Lucas Paqueta set to be cleared by FA
West Ham are now reportedly set to receive some positive news regarding the future of Lucas Paqueta.
Paqueta had been charged with breaching betting rules and was accused of spot fixing two years ago, with a cloud hanging over him since.
West Ham were set to sell Paqueta to Manchester City for a huge fee before these charges emerged, and he has remained and played for the Hammers since, although he has not hit his best form.
Paqueta was potentially set to receive a lifetime ban from football if found guilty, but West Ham will now breathe a sigh of relief.
Paqueta set to be cleared by FA
Paqueta has had a difficult year on and off the pitch at the London Stadium while waiting for the outcome of his hearing, but it has now emerged that the charges are set to be cleared.
The Times have reported (25 July) that the FA will drop all charges against the 27-year-old, who can now continue his career in peace without the looming threat of a lifetime ban.
The midfielder has made 120 appearances for West Ham, scoring 18 goals, and there was a period when he was one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
Now that his charges are gone, clubs could now line up to sign Paqueta, meaning that his time at West Ham may be coming to an end regardless.
West Ham could sell Paqueta this summer
The potential deal to take Paqueta to Man City two years ago was worth £80million, and the financial hit of that move collapsing has hit West Ham hard.
However, despite his downturn in form, there will be no shortage of interest in Paqueta, and after everything that’s happened, a parting of ways could be best for all parties this summer.
West Ham could sell and reinvest the funds into strengthening the rest of the squad, while Paqueta could get a move away to rediscover his best form.
Paqueta’s boyhood club, Flamengo, are currently spending big with their Club World Cup riches, and a return to Brazil could be on the cards this summer.
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