Exclusive: West Ham accelerate Lucas Paqueta replacement after lifetime ban news
West Ham are stepping up their search for Lucas Paqueta replacements in case the Brazilian faces a lifetime ban from football, sources have told Football Insider.
This comes after reports claimed that the FA are seeking to impose a lifetime ban should he be found guilty of alleged illegal betting activities.
Sources say the Hammers are already planning for a worst-case-scenario decision, with the case against the 27-year-old dragging on since August 2023.
Paqueta was charged with misconduct by the FA in May as they revealed the attacking midfielder was "intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the purpose of affecting the betting market."
However, the Brazilian remains a crucial cog in Julen Lopetegui's first-team squad, raising concerns about what a potential ban would mean for their side.
As a result, the recruitment team at the London Stadium have already begun preparing moves to sign potential replacements should he face a lengthy suspension.
West Ham plotting Lucas Paqueta replacement deal after FA charge
Since joining the Hammers from Olympique Lyon in 2022, Paqueta has established himself as one of the most important players at the club.
He has made 93 appearances for West Ham so far, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists during that time, and has scored two goals so far this season.
In Lopetegui's first nine games at the boss at the London Stadium, Paqueta has played all nine and started six of their seven in the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder is also a regular fixture in the Brazil national team, picking up 52 caps for his country, and was recalled by Dorival Jr earlier this year.
A potential lifetime ban from football would have huge consequences for club and country, losing someone who has become a crucial influence on their teams.
As a result, the Hammers are preparing for a worst-case scenario and are considering entering the transfer market for a replacement.
However, the length of the investigation has left West Ham in limbo and forced them to prepare for every possible eventuality.
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