(Credit: Imago)

Man City make contact with West Ham as £50m Paqueta update drops

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

01 Aug 2025, 10:40 am

Lucas Paqueta has dominated headlines at West Ham throughout the summer.

The Brazilian was once the Hammers’ best player, but spot-fixing charges brought forward by the FA saw a dip in his form.

This week, Paqueta was cleared of these charges, and the 27-year-old now has a chance to get his career back on track.

However, Paqueta is still linked with a West Ham exit, as Manchester City lurk, going into the final weeks of the transfer window.

Lucas Paqueta pre-match before West Ham's pre-season match against Manchester United

Paqueta has played a part in West Ham's pre-season (Credit: Imago)

West Ham want at least £50million for Paqueta

If not for the charges brought forward by the FA, Paqueta would have likely already been sold by the Hammers.

West Ham rejected a £70million-plus offer for Paqueta back in 2023 from Man City, but Pep Guardiola’s side were expected to put in a higher bid.

Now that the charges have been dropped, a sale this summer has not been ruled out, with the Brazilian’s market value once again increasing.

Paqueta was heavily wanted by Man City before the charges were brought forward by the FA
The Brazilian could have been sold to the former Premier League champions for over £70m
Now the charges have been cleared, Man City are considering pursuing Paqueta once more

According to Ge (31 July), while a stay at the London Stadium has not been ruled out, West Ham have indicated that they want between £50-£60m for Paqueta in fixed fees and bonuses.

Man City have sent word that Paqueta remains on their radar, but are yet to make an official approach. Meanwhile, a return to Brazil has been ruled out due to the financial costs involved, despite his links with Flamengo.

West Ham manager Graham Potter stares out of the dugout.

Graham Potter is still considering a Paqueta sale (Credit: Imago)

Potter should look to sell Paqueta

While Paqueta’s case has certainly harmed his confidence, his previous form is unlikely to suddenly return now that the charges have dropped.

If the Hammers can get £60m for the Brazilian, it will be a great deal and could allow Potter to invest the funds into much-needed areas of the squad.

Lucas Paqueta stats at West Ham last season	Per 90 mins
Shots	1.47
Shot-creating actions	3.1
Passes attempted	51.06
Touches in attacking penalty box	2.23
Tackles	2.5

Paqueta still proved to be a valuable asset for West Ham last season (Credit: Fbref)

Tyler Morton has been linked to West Ham, and Paqueta's sale could help facilitate the transfer.

Hopefully, if Potter does look to sell Paqueta, he does not let the saga drag on throughout August, as it would limit the time West Ham have to bring in new signings.

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Lucas Paqueta