Antony, Savinho react to message from West Ham star Lucas Paqueta amid uncertainty
Antony and Savinho reacted to a message from West Ham star Lucas Paqueta on social media as uncertainty continues to swirl around the Brazilian’s future.
The Brazilian midfielder was accused of spot-fixing by the FA and is currently awaiting the verdict of a trial against him.
Any outcome of the trial has not yet been announced, but Keith Wyness told Football Insider exclusively he expects Paqueta to be cleared of any wrongdoing.
The case against the former AC Milan man has weighed heavily, and the 27-year-old had to be consoled by Jarrod Bowen after breaking down in tears during the Hammers’ draw against Tottenham in May.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that West Ham may choose to accept an offer from a Saudi Pro League side for Paqueta this summer.
But despite the turbulence surrounding his future, the Brazil international came through for West Ham as they got their pre-season campaign underway.
Lucas Paqueta scores in West Ham victory
West Ham began their pre-season with a win over Swiss side Grasshoppers on Saturday, 19 July.
Graham Potter‘s side were leading 2-1 and in the 88th minute, a penalty was earned, with Paqueta stepping up to slot home from 12 yards out.
The 27-year-old shared several pictures of himself scoring his spot-kick on Instagram with the caption: “First friendly of the season”.
The post was liked by Brazil teammates Antony and Savinho, showing support for the midfielder.
Lucas Paqueta can be Graham Potter’s difference maker
Football Insider Verdict
Based on what Wyness told Football Insider, Paqueta will be playing for West Ham next season.
Not only is this a massive boost for Hammers fans, but also for Potter, whose side is crying out for a difference maker.
Paqueta endured a miserable season by his standards in 2024/25, but it would be fair to put that down to the weight of his charges from the FA.
If the Brazilian is liberated from the charges that hang over his head currently, it would be no surprise to see him keen to prove a point.
Just the season before, Paqueta scored seven and assisted eight, and that is exactly what Potter needs with the bottom half of the Premier League looking set to be immensely competitive next term.