Manchester City has reportedly reignited its pursuit of West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta, with the highly-rated Brazilian now available for a reported £30 million. This renewed interest comes after a complex period for the player, marked by a previously failed transfer attempt and serious off-field allegations that have now been resolved.
Pep Guardiola’s side has long held an interest in Paqueta, making a significant approach in the summer of 2023. At that time, Manchester City’s substantial £70 million bid was reportedly rejected by West Ham, who were holding out for a valuation closer to £90 million, indicating the high regard in which the club held their star midfielder.
The player’s situation became significantly complicated in May 2024 when he was formally charged by the Football Association (FA) with breaching Rule E5.1. These serious allegations accused Paqueta of deliberately seeking bookings in four specific Premier League matches: against Leicester City on November 12, 2022; Aston Villa on March 12, 2023; Leeds United on May 21, 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on August 12, 2023.
Following his recent clearance from these charges, Lucas Paqueta expressed profound gratitude. He stated, “I can’t say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face.” He extended thanks to his wife, West Ham United, the fans, his family, friends, and his legal team for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal.
West Ham United Vice-Chair Karren Brady voiced the club’s relief and unwavering support for Paqueta. She confirmed, “We are pleased Lucas has been cleared. He has maintained his innocence from the outset, and as a club we have resolutely stood by him and supported him throughout the process.” Brady highlighted Paqueta’s professionalism and performance under immense pressure.
Intriguingly, reports circulated last month, prior to his clearance of the betting charges, suggesting the Brazilian international might be available for a reduced fee, potentially as little as £25 million. This indicates a fluctuating market valuation influenced by the external circumstances surrounding the player.
Beyond the ongoing Lucas Paqueta transfer saga, West Ham United is also actively pursuing other significant movements in the football transfer market. According to respected journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League club has submitted a formal bid worth €8 million for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor, a 29-year-old Brazilian who notably impressed at this summer’s Club World Cup.
John Victor’s potential arrival signals a clear intent from new West Ham boss Graham Potter to strengthen the goalkeeping department. Should the transfer materialize, Victor would compete with Alphonse Areola for the coveted number one shirt, adding significant depth and competition within the squad following speculation surrounding Lukasz Fabianski’s future.
The resolution of the betting allegations and the immediate rekindling of Manchester City’s interest in Paqueta underscore his immense talent and perceived value on the pitch. This development sets the stage for what could be one of the most high-profile football transfers of the upcoming window, with significant implications for both clubs involved and the broader Premier League landscape.
