‘Thank you for everything’ – Jarrod Bowen reacts to major Lucas Paqueta news
West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has finally been handed the verdict of his FA hearing following accusations of spot fixing.
Amid the serious allegations, Paqueta could have faced a lifetime ban from football, having spent the last three seasons with West Ham.
The microscope the midfielder was under affected his performances, as he scored just four goals in 33 Premier League appearances last term.
Paqueta previously managed a significantly better return of eight goals and seven assists during the 2023/24 season, including four goals in nine Europa League outings.
Bowen reacts as Paqueta cleared of FA Charges
Paqueta can now progress with his career, having been cleared, while West Ham continue to prepare for next season’s Premier League campaign.
The Brazil international took to Instagram on Thursday, 31 July, as he wrote: “The enemy will come against us one way, but they will flee seven ways.
“Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.
“I can’t say anything more now, but I also can’t express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face.
“To my wife who never let go of my hand, to West Ham, to the fans who always cheered me on, to Fernando Malta and my legal team at Level (Alastair Campbell, Jonathan Hyman, Dan Lowen), Nick De Marco KC, and Kendrah Potts.”
Paqueta’s emotional message attracted a like from West Ham teammate and England international Jarrod Bowen.
Paqueta sale set to play key role in West Ham rebuild
Football Insider verdict
Former Manchester United and Hammers chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that West Ham are prepared to sell Paqueta this summer.
| Lucas Paqueta stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 0 |
Graham Potter guided the London Stadium club to a disappointing 14th-place finish in the Premier League last season, mustering just five wins in 19 attempts after inheriting the dugout from Julen Lopetegui.
The East London side’s fall from grace after winning the Conference League in 2023 indicates that Potter must oversee a significant rebuild.
Potter has already been busy in the transfer market and has particularly strengthened his fullback positions by signing both Malick Diouf and former Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters.
But selling Paqueta would help the ex-Brighton boss facilitate moves to strengthen his forward line after striker Niclas Fullkrug managed a disappointing return of three Premier League goals last term.
Meanwhile, a West Ham Zone exclusive has revealed an update on the Hammers’ pursuit of Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.