Lucas Paqueta reacts to Maxwel Cornet message amid major ban update
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta’s future could be decided before the start of the new season amid the FA’s investigation into betting charges.
Football Insider have been told that Paqueta will be cleared of the charges that he picked up bookings for financial gain, which he denies, with the situation potentially cleared before the new campaign begins.
Paqueta has carried on playing for West Ham amid his uncertain future, appearing 36 times for the club last season as the Hammers finished 14th in the Premier League table.
Graham Potter’s side are currently in the USA on their pre-season tour and lost 2-1 to Manchester United before they take on Everton and Bournemouth.
West Ham player looks to reset career
Taking to Instagram, Cornet posted an image of himself and members of the West Ham squad in America, enjoying a day off from pre-season training.
Cornet captioned the image: “Boys in town,” which was liked by Paqueta.
The 28-year-old is looking to reignite his career following unsuccessful loan spells at Southampton and Genoa last season in which he only managed nine appearances and two goals across the two clubs.
Cornet joined West Ham from Burnley in 2022 following a productive season with the Clarets.
Potter pursuing Liverpool star amid Paqueta form
Football Insider Verdict
Potter could do with an in-form Paqueta next season to aid West Ham’s chances of climbing the table, but the Brazilian has endured a rough start under the former Brighton boss.
Paqueta has showed creativity and flair during his time in East London, although that has been in short supply recently.
The Hammers lacked those attributes in their squad, which Potter is hoping to rebuild this summer.
With Mohammed Kudus departing for Spurs, Potter needs Paqueta to step up and begin contributing more goals and assists to the team than he did last season.
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 0 |
West Ham are targeting Liverpool ace Harvey Elliott, alongside his team mate Tyler Morton, but competition is intense from fellow Premier League club’s for the 22-year-old.
The squad threatens to grow stale unless Potter can breath new life into the team in this window, and it would also be a boost to the manager if Cornet could rediscover his best form.
With promoted club’s Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland all investing in their squad’s the gap could narrow between the relegation zone and survival.