West Ham club sources have revealed to Claret & Hugh this afternoon that Lucas Paquetá hasn’t insisted on a move to Brazilian side Flamengo.
The update follows reports yesterday suggesting the Brazilian maestro had pressured Hammers bosses into selling him to Brazil if acquitted of betting charges.
Earlier today, we spoke to a source close to the player who completely refuted the rumour—and now West Ham themselves have stepped in to defend Paquetá.
C&H asked a London Stadium insider if there was any truth in Paquetá pushing for a move to Flamengo. We were told:
“No, that’s wrong. There was a chance to go there about a year ago, but it was a loan deal when he [Paquetá] thought it might have helped his case if he was back in Brazil.”
When we asked if West Ham’s record signing would be open to a move to Manchester City, the response was telling:
“Who knows, he might want to get away from the jurisdiction of the FA. If he’s acquitted, he could go to Saudi for the money.”
It would seem there is serious interest from the Saudi Pro League for the player which would clearly boost Graham Potters spending ability.
The truth is, until the outcome of the FA hearing is known, no one can be sure what the future holds. But having spoken to both Team Paquetá and West Ham today, it’s been made crystal clear that the player is not pushing for a move to Brazil, despite yesterday’s speculation.
Makes a lot of sense, Andy. If I was in Lucas Paqueta’s shoes, I would want away from FA juristiction too. After all, FA will be looking for any chance to persecute Lucas and exact some ‘revenge’ on him for making them look so stupid.
COYI
The FA’s conduct during this fiasco has been beyond appalling.
They either had clear evidence or they didn’t.
This fiasco has dragged on for eternity and can hardly have been good for Paqueta’s state of mind.
I sincerely hope that he is cleared and the reprehensible FA are sued
My heart would love to see a Paqueta relieved of the burden of this charge in a West Ham shirt. Seeing him at his best in front of an athletic and more technical pivot would be a sight to behold. My head says Saudi could be the escape he needs and bring in the finances we need for rebuild.
Keep him then, Paqueta if cleared will be world class. Unless saudi pay stupid money or a champions league team comes in with big money, why sell him on the cheap?