The transfer of his life. This summer, Lucas Paqueta touched his dream of joining Manchester City. Contacted by Pep Guardiola who explained his project and his plan for him, the Brazilian quickly agreed to sign for the Skyblues. After just one year at West Ham, it was a great opportunity to seize. The former OL player was waiting for the Citizens and the Hammers to reach an agreement before taking a flight from London to Manchester. But discussions dragged on between the two clubs. The English champions made a verbal offer of €80 million.
But the Londoners wanted €100 million for their player. The Mancuniens therefore returned with an offer close to the Hammers’ requirements. While all the lights seemed green, everything went wrong. This was not linked to a missed medical visit or a last minute disagreement as often happens. This time, the transfer collapsed following the opening of an FA investigation targeting the Auriverde international. To put it simply, some people close to the player are suspected of having bet on matches where Paqueta played and where he was sanctioned with yellow cards.
The Brazilian continued the bad news
Upon learning of this, Man City decided to throw in the towel and activate their plan B, namely Matheus Nunes. The latter has also joined the residents of the Etihad Stadium. And Lucas Paqueta in all this? Remaining at the dock, the 26-year-old player has participated in 4 matches since the start of the season. A strong starter, he also converted a penalty against Chelsea. Despite the investigation he is the subject of, he continues to play in clubs. In selection, this will not be the case. At least, not during this September gathering.
Fernando Diniz explained his choice. “It’s a way to preserve him so he can resolve these questions.” We experienced this in Brazil. It takes time to resolve the problem. I love this player and the doors will be open when he manages to resolve this story in a positive way. Like Antony (MU), who is accused of domestic violence, Lucas Paqueta was not selected for the national team. A disappointment, we imagine, for the midfielder very attached to Canarinha. Discreet since the start of this affair, the player has only shared a few photos with family or during matches on his social networks.
The middle was hit
But he didn’t speak. On the other hand, he does not intend to let it happen. On August 22, Globoesporte revealed that his lawyers have asked for his testimony to be postponed to the FA because they believe the evidence provided at the moment is not strong enough. For his part, the Daily Mail specifies that British bookmakers have suspended betting on possible yellow cards for the Brazilian following the investigation. In the middle of a storm, Lucas Paqueta advances as best he can. But he is touched.
According to our information, he was shocked and a little disappointed after his failed transfer to Manchester City. But he had to move on and focused on his new season with the Hammers. On the West Ham side, sportingly, we are not unhappy to keep a player who quickly established himself under the orders of David Moyes. But according to our information, the Londoners were interested in the idea of selling a player bought at a very high price for almost €100 million. They were not against making added value thanks to him. This will therefore have to wait for the next transfer windows, if of course Lucas Paqueta is out of the woods. This worries West Ham, who could be penalized sportingly and economically.
