‘West Ham to accept huge Lucas Paqueta offer amid major FA update’
West Ham may finally see light at the end of the tunnel as the off-field controversy surrounding Lucas Paqueta begins to clear.
While it was a very difficult campaign for all involved at the London Stadium, the 27-year-old Brazilian appeared to be heavily affected, notching only five goal contributions throughout the entire season.
That likely had something to do with the FA‘s ongoing investigation into alleged breaches of betting rules, being accused of purposely picking up yellow cards in 2022 and 2023.
He has still been allowed to play, but even with Graham Potter taking over the reins from Julen Lopetegui, the playmaker has not been the same since the bombshell news over a year ago.
Lucas Paqueta offered clarity at West Ham
Earlier this month, Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Paqueta would be cleared of the betting charges, bringing an end to the entire ordeal just before the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.
Now, according to The Times’ Martyn Ziegler, the attacking midfielder is indeed set to be cleared of the FA’s spot-fixing charges, and the governing body could pick up the player’s legal fees worth up to £1million.
It is an enormous win for Paqueta, who has been under considerable pressure throughout the entire betting saga, with a lifetime ban from football often being spoken about as a possibility.
Supporters at the London Stadium will be jumping for joy, hoping to finally see the old Paqueta back next season, but that joy may not last as the summer transfer window trundles on.
Brazilian star to fall victim to Graham Potter’s rebuild
Mick Brown told Football Insider at the beginning of the month that West Ham are prepared to accept a “huge” offer for Paqueta amid interest from Brazil and the Saudi Pro League.
However, a move for the 27-year-old depended entirely on the outcome of the FA probe, which began in 2023, and the dark clouds appear to be moving, shining light on the situation this summer.
He previously had interest from Pep Guardiola‘s Man City, but with deals done for Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, a return for the playmaker’s signature seems unlikely now.
Football Insider also understands that West Ham are set to push financial regulations in order to help facilitate a rebuild over the coming weeks, but offloading Paqueta would certainly release some pressure.
While there is no doubt of the player’s ability, he has failed to shine under Potter’s leadership, and cashing in now could make sense for all parties, especially Paqueta, given the frustrating ordeal.
Supporters may not be ready to say goodbye just yet, but with the star reportedly set to be cleared of all his charges, it would be an emotional farewell, rather than one fueled by fury at the London Stadium.