West Ham United are reportedly ready to part ways with their star midfielder Lucas Paqueta, with recent developments indicating that the Brazilian could be available for a transfer fee of around €35 million. This news comes amid renewed interest from Manchester City, who have long admired the 27-year-old playmaker. The potential move, which could see Paqueta return to the Etihad Stadium’s radar, marks a significant shift in the transfer market as the Premier League season approaches.
Paqueta’s journey with West Ham has been a rollercoaster since his arrival from Lyon in August 2022 for a club-record fee of £51 million. The Brazilian quickly established himself as a key figure in the Hammers’ midfield, showcasing his flair, vision, and ability to turn games with incisive passes and dynamic runs. Over his tenure, Paqueta has made 120 appearances for West Ham, contributing 18 goals and 14 assists, including a pivotal role in their 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph. However, his time at the London Stadium has been overshadowed by a prolonged Football Association (FA) investigation into alleged betting rule breaches, which derailed a potential £80 million move to Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
The FA’s investigation, which centered on suspicious betting patterns related to yellow cards Paqueta received in four Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023, has been a cloud over his career. The charges, which included allegations of spot-fixing and non-compliance with FA requests, threatened a potential lifetime ban from football. However, recent reports indicate that Paqueta is expected to be cleared of these charges, providing much-needed clarity for both the player and West Ham. This development has prompted the Hammers to reconsider their stance, with the club now open to selling Paqueta for a significantly reduced fee of €35 million, a stark contrast to the £80 million valuation two years ago.
Manchester City, who have maintained a long-standing interest in Paqueta, are reportedly poised to capitalize on this opportunity. Pep Guardiola, a known admirer of the Brazilian’s versatility and creativity, sees Paqueta as a potential addition to bolster City’s midfield, especially following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli. Despite signing players like Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders to fill the creative void, City’s interest in Paqueta has not waned. Sources suggest that the Premier League champions could reignite their pursuit, with the €35 million price tag seen as a bargain for a player of Paqueta’s caliber. Journalist Graeme Bailey, cited in a recent TBR Football report, noted that while the previous £80 million deal is unlikely to be matched, City could secure Paqueta for “more than halved” that amount, making the transfer financially appealing.
West Ham’s decision to push Paqueta towards the exit comes as part of a broader strategy to balance their books after significant summer spending. The club recently lost Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur, and Paqueta’s potential departure would provide further funds to reinvest in the squad. Manager Julen Lopetegui, who has overseen a challenging start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign with West Ham sitting 14th, is reportedly eyeing replacements, with Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid among the candidates. Additionally, there has been speculation about a potential move for Manchester City’s young midfielder James McAtee, who could serve as a creative spark to fill Paqueta’s void.
The prospect of Paqueta returning to Brazil has also surfaced, with clubs like Flamengo and Botafogo expressing interest. Paqueta’s preference reportedly leans towards remaining in European football, with Manchester City offering the allure of competing for major honors under Guardiola’s tutelage.
The transfer saga is not without its difficulties. Paqueta’s form last season was inconsistent, with only four goals in 33 Premier League appearances, a dip attributed to the mental and physical toll of the FA investigation. West Ham fans have expressed frustration at his occasionally lethargic performances, but his undeniable talent described by former teammate Declan Rice as that of a “special, special player” makes him a valuable asset. Paqueta’s ability to play as a No. 10 or in a deeper midfield role aligns with Guardiola’s tactical demands, offering competition to players like Phil Foden and Cherki.
As the transfer window progresses, the resolution of Paqueta’s FA case will be pivotal. If cleared, as expected, his market value could spark a bidding war, though City’s prior agreement on personal terms with the player in 2023 suggests they hold an advantage. West Ham, meanwhile, must weigh the benefits of a £30-40 million influx against the loss of a player who has been central to their recent successes. The potential inclusion of James McAtee in negotiations could sweeten the deal, providing a long-term solution for the Hammers.
A move to Manchester City could represent a fresh start after a tumultuous period. The opportunity to work with Guardiola and compete for silverware in the Premier League and Champions League is likely to be tempting. However, interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and his native Brazil adds further intrigue to his future.
West Ham’s willingness to sell Lucas Paqueta for €35 million has reignited Manchester City’s interest, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster transfer. As the FA’s verdict looms, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Paqueta dons the sky blue of City or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere. For West Ham, the funds from his sale could reshape their squad, but replacing Paqueta’s creativity will be no small task for the hammers.
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