West Ham make Lucas Paqueta decision! Hammers decide whether to cash in on Brazil ace with playmaker set to be cleared of spot-fixing charges

Lucas Paqueta West Ham

A decision on the future of Lucas Paqueta has already been made by West Ham United.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report from Daily Mail, West Ham are now open to selling Paqueta this summer, with the attacking midfielder expected to be cleared of spot-fixing allegations that have clouded his future for nearly two years.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

On Friday, The Times reported that the FA investigation was drawing to a close after an independent regulatory commission reached its decision on the spot-fixing case. The official verdict is expected to be published next week. The Hammers, though, have already made their mind with regards to the playmaker's future at the club. Indeed, West Ham are open to offloading Paqueta for around £30 million (€34.5m/$43.5m).

DID YOU KNOW?

Paqueta had been under intense scrutiny amid claims he deliberately picked up yellow cards to influence betting outcomes and benefit his friends and family in Brazil. The Brazilian international, though, has pledged his innocence time and again, refusing of any wrongdoing. On August 18, 2023, an investigation against Paqueta was started. Then, the FA charged him of misconduct for allegedly breaching FA Rules E5 and F3 last May, including four breaches of FA Rule 5.1 for intentionally picking up yellow cards against Leicester City, Aston Villa, and Leeds United in the 2022-23 season, and against Bournemouth at the start of the 2023-24 season. If found guilty, Paqueta faced the prospect of a potential lifetime ban from the sport.

West Ham United FC v Southampton FC - Premier League

WHAT NEXT FOR LUCAS PAQUETA?

Having already seen his move to Manchester City fall through because of the charges in 2023, Paqueta will be hoping that he can be rid of all the accusations at the earliest and be declared innocent. If that happens, he will once again reignite the interest of top clubs across Europe after another decent season at the London Stadium.