West Ham United‘s sporting director, Tim Steidten, is set to embark on a trip to Rio de Janeiro to meet with midfielder Lucas Paqueta, according to GOAL Brazil reporter Raisa Simplicio. This move comes amidst significant uncertainty surrounding Paqueta’s future at the club.
Simplicio suggests Steidten’s primary purpose is to have a face-to-face conversation with Paqueta, currently holidaying in Rio, to “find out more about how he is doing” in the wake of recent developments.
While talks of a potential return to Flamengo appear to have fizzled out, the FA charges accusing Paqueta of involvement in betting irregularities continue to cast a dark cloud over his future with the Hammers. These charges raise serious doubts about Paqueta’s availability for the upcoming Premier League season.
New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui remains hopeful of having Paqueta available for selection due to the midfielder’s undeniable influence on the team’s performance.
The looming FA ban, which could potentially side-line Paqueta for a significant period (ranging from 6 to 24 months based on past cases), fuelled speculation of a transfer away from West Ham.
Steidten’s visit to Brazil could be an attempt to boost Paqueta’s morale and help him maintain a positive attitude despite the uncertainty clouding his future at the club.
While the exact details of Paqueta’s future with West Ham remain unclear, Steidten’s meeting with the player could potentially lead to a resolution in the near future.
Well it was reported that he was heading to Brazil anyway to sort the Wesley signing.
So I guess as you guys are saying that he is meeting up with him on the way through.
Can’t he use a phone?
More professional face to face.
Tim does like any excuse for a trip to Brazil.
I doubt this is right, surely they’d just have a Zoom call not have Steidten fly out to Brazil when he must be involved in 101 other things. Unless Steidten was going to Brazil for some other reason.
Rumour is to try to sort out Wesley deal
I would think that if Steidten does speak to Paqueta face to face in Brazil then that’s not his primary reason for being there so yes if it happens then being there for Wesley is plausible.