Lucas Paqueta: Ex-PL CEO shares West Ham transfer update

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed West Ham will learn Lucas Paqueta's fate mid-way through the 2024-25 campaign.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the Irons have been dealt a huge blow as they were "counting on" selling the attacking midfielder for profit.

Paqueta was hit with six FA charges in May, with the allegations revolving around potential spot-fixing surrounding yellow cards received in four Premier League games.

The Brazil international, who joined from Lyon two years ago, denied the allegations in a statement and said he was “extremely surprised and upset” by the charges.

Football Insider revealed last month (11 July) that West Ham are still planning their side around Paqueta despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

West Ham-Paqueta saga will be resolved within months, says Wyness

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There’s no doubt that West Ham were counting on Paqueta as a big sale at some stage.

“The unfortunate circumstances that have unfolded mean the value has dropped dramatically.

“The issue probably won’t be resolved until partway through the season.

“It’s a big asset they now can’t sell on.

“It’s just human nature in football - there will be frailties, there will be successes, and there will be failures.

“West Ham are now seeing the impact of a human frailty.”

In other news, Irons hatch plan to sign another striker as deal agreed.

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