West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta is finding it impossible to stay out of the headlines right now isn’t he.
Lucas Paqueta joined West Ham from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon in the summer of 2022 for around £51 million, and it has been a whirlwind two years for the 26-year-old.
The Brazil international instantly endeared himself to the Hammers fans with his maverick performances, but the last year has certainly not been an easy one whatsoever for him, after it emerged that he was being investigated for his role in potential betting breaches.
If found guilty, Paqueta reportedly could receive a lifetime ban, and that obviously wouldn’t be good news for him or West Ham.
The Hammers hierarchy apparently fear that that could in fact be the outcome, if the ruling goes against the former Lyon man.
The most frustrating thing about the whole situation is how long the process is taking. Surely he’s either guilty of foul play or he’s not!
Paqueta is currently representing Brazil in the Copa America out in the United States, and he has really impressed.
The football field must be kind of a sanctuary for him right now, where he can escape his off-pitch worries.
As if the ongoing betting saga wasn’t enough, the West Ham star has now hit the headlines once again for completely different reasons.
Lucas Paqueta saga takes a brand new twist
The Brazilian is obviously going through a lot right now, and it must be so difficult for him to focus on what he’s paid to do – play football.
Whether he plays for the Hammers under Julen Lopetegui this upcoming season and beyond remains to be seen.
The West Ham boss will surely want Paqueta to play a key role for his side, but if he’s cleared of the accusations made against him, he could well join Man City this summer anyway – rumours that have been doing the rounds since last year.
However, a new report claimed that Brazilian side Flamengo want to sign him this summer as well, but the club have since dismissed those suggestions.
Now a really big twist has emerged…
According to reports from Globo Esporte and ESPN in Brazil, Paqueta is actually in favour of leaving the London Stadium this summer.
A move back to his homeland would apparently provide ‘peace of mind’ for Lucas.
I just can’t see this one happening, mainly because Flamengo’s record signing throughout history was £15 million!
The West Ham owners will surely wan’t to recoup most of the £51 million they paid for him two years ago, if they are to sell the skilful play-maker this summer.
If the 26-year-old is cleared of the alleged betting breaches, I’m sure he’ll seal himself a big move to a club like Manchester City this summer.
However, the longer that the saga rumbles on, the more likely it will be that he remains in East London for at least one more season.