Two years ago Lucas Paquetá had his transfer lined up to join Manchester City in an £85 million deal, which would have given the player his ‘dream’ move. West Ham apparently would have received cash plus Cole Palmer – if only – in return from City, and the last two years would have been very different for both player and for West Ham.
Instead the FA enquiry put both player and club in a massive, ultra-stressful damaging limbo.
What now, for Paqueta, we wondered, when the much-leaked FA hearing verdict is published? (Incidentally, we hear, the player, his advisors and the club apparently already know said verdict but upon which there’s an official embargo until the FA announcement.)
Will Paqueta be off Brazil as reports have stated just this morning? Or would the lure of the Saudi Dollar prove too much for Lucas Paqueta who’s career has stalled in the last two years, and who, no doubt has to try and squeeze as much income out of the next five years as he possibly can.
Or would he stay at West Ham? The club have supported him throughout his two year ordeal and it seems oft – written that Lucas Paquetá, unlike some very high-profile players in the news recently, has not agitated for a move and has been the consummate professional even in extremis. For which he deserves huge credit.
Paqueta has a contract until June 2027 with an option for a year’s extension: So what would be the club’s attitude, we asked our high ranking source inside West Ham: Would there be a rush to cash in, we wondered, or maybe a stay for a season, or half a season?
The response was unequivocal: “Manager and player’s decision”
Which was kind of reassuring. No massive rush or pre-agreed deal to flog off another ‘crown jewel’ in haste. Potter and Paquetá are both in the USA at present and it will be of huge importance for West Ham’s season if Lucas Paquetá can get his mojo back under Potter’s coaching: Or if he is to leave it would seem first and foremost a footballing decision made by the two rather than one imposed from the board upstairs.
Personally, I hope… I hope Lucas stays and plays freely. I hope he entertains us, but pushes us up the table. I hope his freedom inspires all around and yes, come January I hope he’s do enough to encourage any club to place a massive offer for his services whilst he’s in his prime. If he’s to go, let him lead us and bring us unbridled joy before he goes. Hopefully, then we’ll us the funds wisely and re-invest into youth and a bloody striker ! Fortunes always hiding…
Sell him, that’s all we ever do.
Get or find a decent player then sell him at any sign of profit or for cashflow.
Bowen wine next, the relegation cycle continues…
Remember, that’s why they dragged us away from Upton park, to compete for champions league….
He may have been cleared of spot fixing but you can be sure that the FA will fine him on the “failing to comply” charge or they will lose face completely.
The whole thing has been a farce.
Both Lucas and The Club have behaved impeccably towards each other. If Lucas feels the need to return to home soil , then the Club should allow that on the best financial deal they can achieve but if he intimates he wishes to stay in the UK then keep him in a nice new WHU shirt. Why even consider selling a class player to anybody else. I’ve not heard of anyone on our shopping list who I’d swap for Lucas.
I doubt that there was an actual conspiracy to gang up on West Ham, as such. But it is widely perceived that there is a big club bias among the football establishment. This transcends refereeing and VAR through to club disciplinary issues, such as the treatment of Leicester and Notts Forest compared with that of Manchester City. The football gravy train, led by the broadcasters, believes that it’s best for the big clubs to remain the big clubs, and to get richer, with nobody else muscling in. Follow the money.
Little doubt in my mind,he will go.Its West Ham policy to sell top players,Bowen next?
The FA’s decision to pursue Paqueta with these trumped up and ridiculous charges now looks very suspicious . Westham were threatening to become a big club and Paqueta was at the top of his game . Did other Big Six clubs conspire with members of the FA to destroy Westham ? Westham have become relegation candidates as well as losing 10’s of millions and Paqueta has lost a career as well as millions . Will the FA properly pay for their mistakes and/or crimes ? There should be an investigation into all members of the FA to see if any illegal monies were paid to them and if so heads should roll . I’ll be upset if Westham’ hierarchy don’t pursue legal action against the FA .
Top 6 conspiracy lol
The earths flat
Isn’t it
😀
Nah no conspiracy, check out the card he got vs villa. Shouldn’t have taken 2 years of course.
Over the target
As we see with Isak at Newcastle and Kudus it is always the players decision or rather there agents
What ever he decides he gets my blessing.,been a true professional and remarkably strong person.The stress he must have been through over the last two years doesn’t bear thinking about.The only thing I will say is if he decides to go during this window is that the club do not sell him on the cheap if he decides to go back to Brazil.I have a feeling they will take a low ball offer to keep him happy because of what he has been through, I know it’s a difficult situation but we need to get the maximum price out there.Our selling players at a loss is becoming diabolical and needs to stop asap