It is no secret that West Ham’s midfield maestro, Lucas Paqueta, has found himself in hot water. Facing potential suspension for alleged betting offenses, his future at the club is uncertain. This has opened a window of opportunity for his former club, Flamengo. They are pushing for a permanent transfer, a move that could benefit both parties in the short term, but raises questions for West Ham’s long-term strategy.
Flamengo’s desire to re-sign Paqueta is understandable. He’s a proven talent who thrived during his first stint with the club. Their belief that a return to Brazil could lessen his punishment sweetens the deal further. For Paqueta, escaping the potential career limbo of a suspension in England might be highly appealing.
However, West Ham must tread carefully. Selling Paqueta now, especially for a hefty fee, could be financially sound if a lengthy ban is imminent. The freed-up funds could be used to find a replacement before the season kicks off. But that replacement might not be readily available, leaving a gaping hole in their midfield.
Ultimately, West Ham’s decision hinges on the severity of Paqueta’s potential punishment. A short suspension might make holding onto him a better option. However, a lengthy ban changes the equation. While losing Paqueta would be a blow, recouping a transfer fee and finding a replacement before the season starts could be the pragmatic choice.
This entire situation highlights the precariousness of relying on players facing legal troubles. West Ham gambled on Paqueta’s talent, but now face the consequences of his alleged actions. Flamengo might be the beneficiary in the short term, but West Ham needs to prioritise long-term stability and avoid repeating the mistake of building their midfield around a player with such legal uncertainty.
As if Flamengo have the money available for us to recoup our original outlay!! That’s just plain nonsense
One key thing: even if there were no charges, does he even want to be at West Ham? If he doesn’t, I would take what we could get now, and put in a bunch of clauses that would give us significant return if he gets a big move in the future.
Knowing our luck, he will be sold at a loss, subsequently cleared of all charges, then sold on by his new club in Brazil for £100m + to City or Saudi Arabia.
The club cannot afford to let a £85m player leave for next to nothing. The ones saying let him go . Will be crying if he’s cleared of the charges . The club is in the driving seat not pacqueta. And flamingo clearly don’t have the money either.
Threw his toys out pram last year and can imagine he will burn his cot down if don’t get this move 🇧🇷
He didn’t look happy for the last matched of the season and unfortunately it could be his head has been turned by being back in Brazil. West Ham could finish up losing an enormous amount of money whether it’s by a lengthy ban or him being sold to Flamengo. Whatever happens we don’t want a moody player in the dressing room.
Take whatever we can get for him now I say. We could keep hold of him, start the season and lose him one game into the season for the next 5 or 6 years potentially and be 50+ mill out of pocket. If he starts this season anything like he finished the last one he wouldn’t be a huge loss to the midfield anyway. Take the cash if Flamengo are stupid enough to push for a permanent transfer.