Our articles today make it clear that the FA inquiry is moving into its final phase with a decision due shortly. Certainly across the Atlantic, there is a very real expectation that Lucas Paquetá will be exonerated and escape any FA punishment.
Such is their confidence of this, according to a report just today in sportwitness.co.uk entitled:
“Club ‘getting closer and closer’ to signing West Ham man – Confidence all round, even with salary problem” claims the Brazilian’s former club have been in touch with West Ham, stating:
“Negotiations for the midfielder to return to his former club have gained momentum in recent weeks, particularly with Flamengo preparing to compete in the Club World Cup this summer. The club’s board want to strengthen their midfield and see Paqueta as the ideal player to do so.”
We’ve approached our West Ham club source and will see if we can confirm the veracity of this claim: It isn’t the first time that media outlets have suggested Lucas Paquetá or his agents have been ‘negotiating’ for an exit. The report continues:
Even with the risk of punishment, Flamengo are confident of an acquittal. A report yesterday stated it will be acquittal or ban for the West Ham man, there will be no in-between.
A decision is expected in the first half of June.In the meantime, talks with Paqueta’s entourage are ongoing. West Ham are willing to negotiate a deal but Flamengo would prefer a one-year loan deal with an extension clause and the possibility of a permanent purchase.”
The player is willing, apparently, to take a pay cut to get his move back to Brazil in time for the club World Cup championships – in which Flamengo will feature. Whether there’s any truth in this story or whether it’s just a bit more ‘noise’ surrounding the Paquetá inquiry – we’ll let you know.
Those south American sites are proper clickbait . Even worse than football insider. And there’s no chance west ham will accept a loan deal. Either.