Paqueta exit bombshell: Legalities analysed for last-gasp West Ham deal
Flamengo are exploring the possibility of signing West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta, according to Guilherme Pinheiro.
The FlaZoeiro journalist reported on Saturday (1 February), as relayed by Meia Hora that the Brazilian Serie A outfit is considering the legalities surrounding a move for Paqueta in the final days of the winter transfer window.
Of course, a potential transfer must account for his trial for alleged betting offences, which will commence in March 2025 and could drag on throughout the year.
Paqueta is believed to be ready to return to his native Brazil regardless of the trial’s outcome [GOAL], and he could be on the move before the 3 February deadline.
West Ham United could sell Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo
The 27-year-old has been the subject of “embarrassing” moments for the Irons this term, as the weight of the impending trial is on his shoulders.
Despite once being considered an invaluable member of the squad, his performances have fallen off a cliff this season, and the uncertainty surrounding his future has cast a cloud over his displays.
Although the trial has put his career on hold after a proposed move to Manchester City collapsed in the summer of 2024, Meia Hora states that now could be the perfect time for Paqueta to end his spell in the Premier League.
West Ham will certainly not be able to recoup a multi-million-pound deal for the midfielder, but an exit now may be in the best interests of all involved.
The Brazilian transfer window remains open until the end of February, so Graham Potter has two days to decide on the sale while leaving himself enough time to sign an adequate replacement.
With the real possibility that Paqueta could be handed a lengthy ban from football, it would be a risk to keep the Brazilian in the hopes he is deemed not guilty.
Nevertheless, he has made his feelings known to the Irons, and there may not be another chance to offload the midfielder – the following two days will be vital for his future in the Premier League.
In other West Ham news, Everton are set to blow the Irons “out of the water” with Evan Ferguson move.
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