Lucas Paqueta shares three-word West Ham message as doubts remain
Lucas Paqueta has sent a new message to West Ham fans on social media amid ongoing uncertainty over the future of his career.
West Ham struggled to compete in the Premier League last term as a season of struggle under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter eventually saw them finish 14th.
Paqueta’s talent has been overshadowed by his off-field troubles 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.
The FA are seeking a lifetime ban from football for the 27-year-old, with a verdict expected to be reached in the coming weeks, but West Ham are confident that Paqueta will be cleared of all charges.
He has continued to be linked away regardless, with former scout Mick Brown telling Football Insider on 3 July that the Hammers are preparing to accept offers for Paqueta with Saudi Pro League clubs set to bid for his services.
Paqueta sends West Ham message amid exit links
Versatile midfielder Paqueta’s form dropped off last season as he made 37 appearances and only netted five goals compared to eight strikes and seven assists in 43 outings in 2023/24.
He looks to be staying in high spirits despite the alleged betting offences that could see him banned from the sport for life, though, as he took to Instagram on Thursday (10 June) to post an update of him being back in Hammers pre-season training with a caption saying: “Back to work,” alongside praying, hammer-and-pick and red heart emojis.
Paqueta’s post was reacted to by a number of players, either current or former teammates, with Neymar, Declan Rice, Savinho, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Emerson Palmieri all leaving likes, while exit-linked Tottenham striker Richarlison commented, saying: “Deus abençoe aí” which translates to “God bless you there” in English.
West Ham should keep Paqueta if his charges are cleared
Football Insider verdict
It goes without saying that there is no future for Paqueta at the London Stadium or at any football club if he is found guilty of his charges and banned from the sport for life, but if not, then the Hammers should keep him around rather than sell to a Saudi Pro League side.
Paqueta’s 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 everything is cleared and he can continue to play on next season, there is a genuine possibility that he returns to his previous standout form.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 120 | 18 | 14 |
The Brazil international is one of the best 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.
West Ham playmaker Mohammed Kudus is set to join Tottenham soon, and it would be a real blow for Graham Potter to lose two of his best creative players this summer, so the Irons should not let Paqueta leave if they can help it in the coming months.