(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Transfers

Stefan Borson: West Ham missed out on ‘amazing’ Man City deal, it was ‘on the verge’ of being completed

James Murray
James Murray

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

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West Ham decided to grant Lucas Paqueta his wish of returning to Brazil following his spot-fixing saga. 

Paqueta was cleared of his spot-fixing charges last July after an independent regulatory commission found them to be “not proven” following a hearing earlier in the year. 

However, the situation cost Paqueta a move to Manchester City after Pep Guardiola’s side were willing to pay £80million for his signature in the summer of 2023. 

The deal collapsed after news emerged of the FA’s investigation, with Man City deciding to pull the plug on the transfer. 

Paqueta has now returned to Flamengo, where he came through the ranks, with the deal worth around £36million to West Ham. 

Why West Ham have 'lost a lot of money' in Lucas Paqueta deal

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider selling Paqueta to Guardiola’s side would have been an “amazing” deal for West Ham. 

The Hammers signed the Brazil international from Lyon in a deal worth an initial £36.5m and up to £14.4m in add-ons in the summer of 2022. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “It's just unfortunate that what happened is they ended up losing a lot of money on the back of the charges really. 

“I think it would have been an amazing sale to City. I can't help but think it would have been an overprice for the player. 

Lucas Paqueta in a West Ham training top
Lucas Paqueta has joined Flamengo from West Ham (Credit: Imago)

“As good as he is, I never felt he was an £80m player, but City were clearly on the verge of doing that deal.” 

How Paqueta 'burnt his bridges' with the West Ham fans

Borson insisted Paqueta “burnt his bridges” with West Ham and the club’s fans before completing his move to Flamengo. 

“I think it's a good deal all round really,” said Borson. 

“He wanted to go. I think he's burnt his bridges with the fans and burnt his bridges with the club. It is time to move on. It’s not a killer fee, but it’s an okay fee. 

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo looks defeated
Nuno Espirito Santo wanted to keep hold of Lucas Paqueta at West Ham (Credit: Imago)

“It’s just a shame that they spent a fortune defending him and he ends up exiting for a modest fee really.” 

Paqueta missed a huge chance on his second debut for Flamengo as they lost 2-0 to Corinthians on Sunday (1 February). 

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Manchester City
West Ham United
Flamengo
Lucas Paqueta
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