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Hammers Braced For Paqueta Exit Irrespective of Verdict

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A not guilty verdict for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá could see the Brazilian return home to Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

Paquetá is awaiting the outcome of his FA hearing over alleged betting breaches, with a verdict believed to be imminent. If acquitted, the 27-year-old is expected to leave West Ham—and likely the Premier League altogether—given the FA would still retain jurisdiction.

Flamengo have long been linked with a move for the midfielder and are now once again being reported by Mail Online as a possible destination.

Claret & Hugh first revealed back in February that Flamengo had submitted two bids for Paquetá—both believed to be loan proposals. The initial offer came in January 2024, consisting of a loan with an obligation to buy for £20 million if the player was cleared of all charges.

As such, renewed talk of West Ham’s record signing returning to Flamengo is not surprising and the Brazilian club has never hidden their continued interest.

Sources also believe there will be strong interest from the Saudi Pro League if Paquetá is cleared to continue his career. As things stand, though, there is still no indication of the FA’s final decision.

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Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.

13 comments

  • Andy Stone says:

    £20million! What’s the discount about?

  • Mr T R says:

    I have a feeling Lucas Paqueta already knows he’s been cleared. In which case, there will be some manipulated business or political reason why there hasn’t already been an announcement.

    Like many, I hope Lucas wants to stay.

  • Dave W says:

    Disgraceful that the FA are dragging this out, bet they won’t use not guilty when they eventually make a public statement. That would be even more embarrassing after 2 years, so expect a not proven announcement so a cloud still hangs over Paquetá

  • Atanas Vezirev says:

    The way you censored my opinion, that is the way this verdict will be given – unclean and falsе where only money talks 🙂

  • Deano says:

    If Paqueta leaves we will have no spark in the midfield, both Kudus and Paqueta could change a game (when their heads were in it), going to be a long season passing it around the back I fear. Potter’s vision not need a midfield then?

  • Atanas Vezirev says:

    I think, they’ve achieved behind the door agreement with FA to acquit Paqueta in return he do not play in PL anymore. Or, they’ll find the way to ban him for PL only.

  • Jeeps says:

    Need to have a rethink regarding transfer fee.
    Worth more more to club than figure being touted.

  • West Ham Fan No 32 says:

    He owes us a proper season or a proper transfer fee for sticking by him.

    £20m nah better to keep him he is in the prime of his career.

    I suspect other Pl clubs that can offer him European football will also offer a decent price, Newcastle could team him up with his mate Guimares which would improve them, supposedly Man Utd are interested too and City retain an interest.

    If the verdict was due today why aren’t we hearing anything from the FA or club ?

    What’s the odds we don’t hear anything until last moments in the window or later, FA have it in for West Ham we should sue them including retrospectively for the £25m they made us pay Sheffield Utd for their cock up

  • Paul Basnett says:

    Is there no sign he would want to stay at West Ham? Not sure he would get a big money Premiership transfer but if he gets consistent form back he’s a great player on his day – why go back to Brazil at 27?

  • Irish Hammer ⚒️ says:

    Still waiting!

  • Matt says:

    Shame Sullivan & Brady can’t disappear to Brazil along with Will Salthouse!

Comments are closed.