Lucas Paqueta wants to leave West Ham United for Flamengo return – Roshane Thomas
Lucas Paqueta wants to leave West Ham to return to Flamengo while his FA case is pending, according to Roshane Thomas.
Writing on The Athletic website (4 July), the journalist reports that the Brazilian is “keen on a move back to his former club” this summer with a loan offer already made [Fabrizio Romano, 3 July].
However as it stands, West Ham have no intention to accept any loan moves and are reluctant to enter any talks over a deal, with the plan currently to keep him at the London Stadium.
West Ham United have major Lucas Paqueta decision to make
Paqueta is one of the best players at the football club, so it’s no surprise that they aren’t interested in hearing offers to take him away while he’s able to play.
But it can’t be ignored that the 26-year-old is facing a potential lifetime ban from the sport for betting charges [The Sun, 4 June] and a hearing isn’t expected to be held for several months.
While Paqueta is available to play until he is formally handed down a punishment, the noise around his status is likely to effect his performances and once he is punished it will be nigh-on impossible for them to move him on should he be banned.
This provides the club with a lifeline to sell him and get some of their investment back, although they then run the risk of losing a top player if he is proven innocent.
It’s a huge decision to make for a top player, but his will to return to his homeland could be the difference maker and it could push the Hammers to find a way to make it happen.
In other West Ham news, a major update on Mohammed Kudus’ release clause has emerged.
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