Lucas Paqueta shares instant response to West Ham’s show-stopping reveal about him
Lucas Paqueta has responded instantly to West Ham’s footage of him in training as he continues to come under the microscope.
West Ham’s struggles under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter eventually saw them finish 14th in the Premier League last season, with Paqueta failing to fire them to success.
The Brazilian international’s on-field talents have been overshadowed by his troubles away from the pitch in recent times, after he was charged with four counts of spot-fixing and two of obstructing an FA investigation [Sky Sports] in May 2024.
Former chief Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Paqueta would be cleared of the betting charges, bringing the entire ordeal to an end, and The Times have recently reported that he is indeed set to be cleared of the FA’s charges, and the governing body could pick up the player’s legal fees worth up to £1million.
He is seemingly set to leave East London even with a positive outcome on the horizon, with former scout Mick Brown revealing to Football Insider on Tuesday (29 July) that the Hammers are preparing to accept £30m offers for Paqueta with Saudi Pro League clubs soon set to bid for his services.
West Ham send message of praise to Paqueta
West Ham are in the USA for the Premier League Summer Series, and Paqueta has joined his teammates for their pre-season tour despite uncertainty around his future at the club and his charges.
He is clearly still in the good books with those at the club, as the Irons’ official Instagram account shared a short video of him doing an impressive skill on the training pitch on Wednesday (30 July) alongside the caption: “stop that, Lucas” with laughing face and Brazil flag emojis.
Their short message to the Brazilian was reacted to by teammate Konstantinos Mavropanos, Manuel Lanzini, Jude Bellingham, Joao Gomes and Paqueta himself, who all liked the post.
Paqueta could return to previous Hammers form if his charges are cleared
Football Insider verdict
Paqueta looks to be staying in high spirits despite the alleged betting offences that could see him banned from the sport for life, and West Ham should not sell him to a Saudi Pro League side this summer if he is found not guilty, as the weight off his shoulders could see him rediscover his impressive past form.
His mental state has clearly been badly affected by his off-field issues, after he was seen crying on the pitch in a game against Tottenham in May, and so if he can continue to play on without a worry, there is a genuine possibility that he becomes Graham Potter’s go-to man next season.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 120 | 18 | 14 |
The Brazil international’s eight goals and seven assists in 43 games in all competitions in 2023/24 proved that he can be one of the best all-round midfielders in the Premier League at the top of his game, and it is no coincidence that Man City have been interested in Paqueta over the last few years, but have not wanted to make a move due to his charges.
With Mohammed Kudus having recently joined Tottenham, and it would be a real blow for under-pressure boss Potter to lose two of his best creative players this summer, so the Irons must not let Paqueta leave if they can help it in the coming months.