West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has been in the news on both the front and back pages over the past year or so.
Lucas Paqueta has been somewhat of an enigma for West Ham since joining us two-and-a-half years ago.
A mercurial talent, Paqueta can be brilliant on his day, but he can be utterly awful at the same time.
Things took a turn for the worse in the summer of 2023 when it emerged that Paqueta was being investigated for alleged breaches of betting rules.
And there are said to be fears internally at the London Stadium that Paqueta could be banned for life if found guilty of the charges levelled against him
It has since emerged that the Hammers owners were prepared to let Paqueta leave the London Stadium.
He is still a West Ham player right now.
But that could all change very soon indeed.
Lucas Paqueta twist may have an unexpected ending for West Ham
The Hammers, and Paqueta himself, have been put through the wringer over the past 18 months or so.
We are still none the wiser as to whether he will be banned from playing due to betting breaches.
However, what is growing more and more likely is the former Lyon man leaving West Ham for pastures new, or old as the case may be.
According to Brazilian media outlet Lance, Paqueta’s agent has met with Flamengo officials about a return to the Maracana for his client.
It is suggested that his exit from East London is edging closer and closer by the day.
It wouldn’t surprise me one little bit if Paqueta, 27, ended up leaving the Hammers at the end of the season.
However, first and foremost, he needs to learn the outcome of his betting trial before he can even think about leaving West Ham.
The Hammers signed Paqueta from Lyon in the summer of 2022 for around £42 million – a fee that could rise to £50 million depending on incentivised add-ons.
Unfortunately for us, Paqueta really hasn’t justified that price-tag since moving to the London Stadium.
He has produced certain moments of magic – some would argue that his through-ball for Jarrod Bowen in the Europa Conference League final in 2023 was worth his transfer fee alone.
Time for Paqueta to leave West Ham
I just feel like he should offer us so much more, on a far more consistent basis, given his considerable talent.
The South American seems to make more costly errors than he produces match-winning moments for us.
I’m not doubting his commitment – I feel like he gives everything for the shirt. However, I don’t think he has what we need going forward under Graham Potter.
If West Ham were to receive a bid in the region of £20 million now for Lucas Paqueta, I think we should sell him.
The Brazilian transfer window is open until February 28th don’t forget.
In my opinion, it’s time for Lucas Paqueta and West Ham to go their separate ways.
And a return to Brazil would be the ideal solution for all parties involved as far as I’m concerned.
