West Ham United now face a very troubled few months as the threat of a lifetime ban for star and biggest asset Lucas Paquetá moves from abstract fear into absolute possibility. The Brazilian Parliamentary enquiry starts this month and of course the FA are scheduling their own hearing for March 2025.
Despite all hopes and public statements supporting their prize player, and along with most Hammers fans ‘hoping’ for the best, West Ham behind the scenes have no alternative to put contingency plans in place.
No doubt these will be two fold: Financially if Paqueta’s guilt is decided by committee and a ban ensues there will be a huge money ramification for West Ham who have paid millions to the player in wages and will now lose millions of asset value. They’ll no doubt be exploring the best way to try and recoup some IF Paqueta is banned.
As reported today (without quoting a source), footballinsider247.com, state that West Ham’s leadership are :”Stepping up their search for Lucas Paqueta replacements in case the Brazilian faces a lifetime ban from football.”
“As a result, the recruitment team at the London Stadium have already begun preparing moves to sign potential replacements should he face a lengthy suspension.”
How the club will fund the purchase of a new play maker remains to be seen. Carlos Soler (main pic) is already in Claret and Blue on a season-long loan and I remain convinced he was brought in as Paquetá insurance: How that develops after the loan period is a conundrum in itself as West Ham cannot possibly afford his reported £200k a week-plus wages.
A Lack of creativity elsewhere within the ranks makes this an emerging threat for Lopetegui: Well we remember how badly the team performed when Paquetá was absent injured for months under Moyes, early in 2024. Finding a play maker at affordable cost and matching that up with the other ‘striker plus centre back’ priorities mean the club are in a bit of a state if things do go pear-shaped.
So, rumours of ‘midfielder play-makers on the radar’ should follow. But will the club actually be out to buy until the Brazilian’s fate is decided? I think not.
So we could all be in for along wait.
Of course Paqueta denies the allegations against him, as we always need to add.
Paqueta is a multi millionaire who can afford a top brief from his weekly wage. There’d be appeals here there and everywhere if the outcome was heavy handed, the more draconian the outcome the more incentive to do so.