Sky Sports share Lucas Paqueta stance following collapsed West Ham to Man City move
Lucas Paqueta believes his switch from West Ham to Manchester City could yet go through in the January transfer window, sources close to the player have told Sky Sports.
The reliable news source reported on Tuesday [22 August] that City will definitely not move for Paqueta this window, despite reaching an £80million agreement with West Ham last week.
A further update on Sky Sports’ transfer blog [22 August, 17:45] read: “Sources close to Lucas Paqueta believe his move to Manchester City could still happen in January.
“An £80m deal was agreed in principle between West Ham and the Premier League champions – but the deal is now completely off after Paqueta is the subject of a betting investigation by FIFA and the FA.”
Best wishes
Paqueta has been the ultimate professional in wake of the ongoing speculation, the Brazilian midfielder making himself available for action throughout and getting on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday [20 August].
The 25-year-old would no doubt have loved a move to the reigning English and European champions, but he could still get his wish in 2024, with a release clause due to kick in at the end of the current campaign.
City’s interest in Paqueta appeared to dwindle around the same time he was made accused of breaching FA betting rules, allegations in which the player himself denies.
That investigation should be concluded by the time the transfer window reopens, at which point West Ham may face fresh competition for the Brazilian.
In an ideal world, Paqueta will have a storming season and stay on at the London Stadium beyond this campaign, but realistically he will be plucked by City if his form continues.
Given the way he has gone about his business, though, he will leave with the best wishes of Hammers supporters should that be the case.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have reportedly named their price for Sevilla target Pablo Fornals.