‘Incredible pressure’ – West Ham speak out as Lucas Paqueta verdict is revealed
West Ham have been give a piece of positive news in the midst of a difficult transfer window for the club.
The Hammers finished 14th in the Premier League last season and manager Graham Potter is overseeing his first transfer window at the club.
In a blow to Potter, Mohammed Kudus has left to join Spurs and the former Brighton boss needs additional funds to be able to sign top targets.
The club have moved to sign free agent Kyle Walker-Peters, El Hadji Malick Diouf from Sparta Prague and loanee Jean-Clair Todibo on a permanent basis.
Hammers support Paqueta
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been the subject of an investigation into misconduct charges, which he denies, since August 2023.
Paqueta has kept playing for the club despite his uncertain future, but in a statement issued by West Ham they state “an independent Regulatory Commission has cleared Lucas Paqueta of misconduct charges made against him by the Football Association.”
West Ham’s Vice-Chair Karren Brady issued a message saying she was “pleased Lucas has been cleared,” and “as a club we have resolutely stood by him and supported him through the process.”
Paqueta also issued a message saying thanking his wife, West Ham and the fans, family and friends for their support.
West Ham said they would make no further comment.
Hammers could now sell Paqueta after delivered verdict
Football Insider Verdict
Paqueta can now fully focus back on football on what is a winning verdict for him and West Ham.
The Brazilian has faced a tough period alongside the pressure of delivering for West Ham amid the club’s battles to survive in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old still has time left in his career to make an impact at West Ham, but with the club needing funds to reinforce other areas of the pitch, Paqueta may now be sold.
| Apperances | 120 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 14 |
West Ham have placed a £30million valuation on the midfielder with interest from Brazilian side Flamengo.
A fresh start may be what is required for Paqueta and a chance to return to his home country.
His career could have been different had the FA not placed the charges against him and his move to Man City had materialised.
More suitors may come forward for Paqueta now his future is resolved, and Potter wants to sign a new goalkeeper and striker which won’t come cheap.
Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen has been lined up in-between the sticks whilst free agent Callum Wilson could also arrive in East London.