West Ham ready to accept £30m Paqueta bid as legal action stance shared
Lucas Paqueta is set to finally be cleared of the betting charges that derailed his move to Manchester City two years ago.
The midfielder had looked poised to join the Citizens in a deal worth around £80million before the FA launched an investigation into bets placed on yellow cards.
Eventually, charges were brought against Paqueta, alleging that the Brazilian purposely got himself booked to win bets for friends and family back in his hometown.
But following a hearing, the West Ham man is now expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing in a decision that should be announced next week.
West Ham set Paqueta price
Paqueta signed for West Ham in 2022, joining from Lyon in a deal worth around £51m.
And a strong first season in the Premier League, that saw the midfielder score four goals and provide three assists, convinced Pep Guardiola to line up a big-money move.
The move’s collapse did not see Paqueta’s form drop off in the following season, but the longevity of the investigation has caused the Brazilian to struggle both mentally and physically – Graham Potter confirmed last season.
| Lucas Paqueta | Premier League (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
But with the 27-year-old’s name cleared, he can now look to turn over a new leaf in his career, and that may be away from The London Stadium.
According to the Mail on Sunday (back page and page 84, 27 July), West Ham are willing to letting Paqueta leave this summer for a bid in the region of just £30m.
The Hammers are in need of further sales, despite already receiving £55m for Mohammed Kudus, as Potter looks to overhaul the squad that struggled to 14th place in the Premier League last season.
Flamengo are among the clubs interested in a move for Paqueta, with the Brazilian reportedly keen on a return to the place where his career started.
West Ham are unlikely to take legal action against the FA following the decision’s announcement, according to the report.
West Ham should receive respectable fee for Paqueta
For both Paqueta and West Ham, it will be hard not to feel that the FA’s investigation has caused significant damage for, ultimately, an insignificant outcome.
West Ham have lost out on a massive fee and a £30m profit, while the Brazilian lost out on what was, presumably, a dream move and has seen his career spend two years in limbo.
A fresh start may well be necessary for both parties this summer, but the Hammers should ensure that they are, at least, compensated with a fair fee in the transfer market.
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