Is West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta finding it impossible to stay away from the headlines at the moment?
Lucas Paqueta joined West Ham from Ligue 1 side Lyon in the summer of 2022 for around £51m, and it’s been a turbulent few years for the 26-year-old.
The Brazil international immediately endeared himself to Hammers fans with his exceptional performances, but last year certainly wasn’t easy for him, after it emerged he was being investigate its role in possible betting violations.
If found guilty, Paqueta could be banned for life and that is obviously not good news for him or West Ham.
The Hammers hierarchy are clearly concerned that this will be the outcome if the verdict goes against Lyonnais before.
The most annoying thing about this whole situation is how long this process takes.
Either he is guilty of foul play or he is not!
Paqueta is currently representing Brazil in the Copa America in the United States and he has really impressed.
The football field must be a sanctuary for him right now, where he can escape worries off the field.
As if the ongoing betting saga wasn’t enough, the West Ham star is making headlines for completely different reasons.
The story of Lucas Paqueta takes a whole new turn The Brazilian is clearly going through a lot at the moment, and it must be very difficult for him to focus on his paid work to do: play football.
Whether he will play for the Hammers under Julen Lopetegui next season remains to be seen.
The West Ham boss will certainly want Paqueta to play a key role in his team, but if the charges against him are cleared, he could join Man City this summer anyway – The rumors have been circulating since last year.
However, a new report claims that Brazilian club Flamengo were also interested in signing him this summer, but the club rejected these offers.
Now there has been a huge turning point.
.
.
According to information from Globo Esporte and ESPN in Brazil, Paqueta really wants to leave the London Stadium this summer.
Returning to his homeland will apparently bring “peace of mind” to Lucas.
I don’t see this happening, mainly because Flamengo’s record number of signings throughout history is £15m!
West Ham’s boss will certainly not want to recoup most of the £51m they paid him two years ago if they want to sell the skillful playmaker this summer.
If the 26-year-old is cleared of betting violations, I’m sure he will move to a club like Manchester City this summer.
However, the longer the saga goes on, the more likely it is that he will stay in East London for at least another season.
July 7, 2024
