West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá has found himself at the centre of controversy, casting uncertainty over his future with the club. The Hammers had planned to fund their summer rebuild with the Brazilian’s expected £85 million move to Manchester City.
A deal appeared to be in place to trigger Paquetá’s release clause, but the transfer collapsed following an investigation into allegations of illegal betting involving yellow cards—a claim the midfielder has vehemently denied.
The fallout from the blocked transfer disrupted West Ham’s summer plans. Manager David Moyes and vice-chair Karren Brady had been on the brink of signing Cole Palmer from Manchester City for around £40 million.
However, the collapse of Paquetá’s deal forced the club to abandon their pursuit of the talented youngster, underlining how critical the midfielder’s sale was to their transfer strategy.
Football journalist Graeme Bailey recently revealed that City remain “more determined than ever” to secure Paquetá’s signature.
Reports indicate that the case against the Brazilian could soon be dropped, potentially reopening the door for a move to the Etihad.
Interestingly, the mood among West Ham supporters appears to be shifting. Many fans, initially opposed to Paquetá’s departure, are now warming to the idea of selling him for his release clause.
This change reflects a growing acceptance that squad adjustments may be necessary, even amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the player.
As the situation develops, the focus for West Ham lies not only on resolving Paquetá’s future but also on how any outcome might affect the club’s long-term plans.
The coming months will be pivotal, as both the player and the Hammers seek clarity in what has been a tumultuous period.