Lucas Paqueta's days at West Ham have been numbered ever since he was on the verge of joining Manchester City in 2023. Spot-fixing allegations prevented that move from going through before a two-year investigation, which ended last year with the Brazil international being cleared of any wrongdoing. It was reported that the midfielder was on the verge of joining Aston Villa last summer, but he opted to remain in east London, expressing his desire to repay faith in the club for their support during his fight against the FA's allegations.
Lucas Paqueta's days at West Ham have been numbered ever since he was on the verge of joining Manchester City in 2023.
Spot-fixing allegations prevented that move from going through before a two-year investigation, which ended last year with the Brazil international being cleared of any wrongdoing.
But the two-year episode clearly affected the 28-year-old's form on the pitch and West Ham's struggles during that period have also been well documented.
It was reported that the midfielder was on the verge of joining Aston Villa last summer, but he opted to remain in east London, expressing his desire to repay faith in the club for their support during his fight against the FA's allegations.
But Paqueta's time at West Ham looks to have finally reached an end, with fresh reports claiming he asked not to play in the Hammers' FA Cup third-round victory over QPR on Sunday amid interest from Brazilian club Flamengo.
It's claimed the Brazil international wants a move back to his homeland after growing disillusioned with life in England.
Indeed, this presents something of a dilemma for West Ham. With Nuno Espirito Santo's side seven points adrift of Premier League safety, the squad is going to need all the help it can get between now and May, while the winter transfer window is notoriously difficult to upgrade players in key positions.
But the facts are clear where Paqueta is concerned and this should help sway the club's decision-making. The former Lyon star's assist in a recent 2-2 draw with Brighton was his first since March 2024 - a run of 62 games. For a player in the team for his creativity, that is a dire run of form.
During his entire West Ham Premier League career, he has picked up more cards (30) than he has goal contributions (26).
He's struggled for form and has become something of a disciplinary unreliability. Can West Ham risk putting all their faith in an unhappy and unreliable player to help keep them in the league?
It's probably time we cashed in on Paqueta, especially if he wants to leave. It's sad to see him leave under these circumstances, but Nuno needs happy and committed players in his squad and Paqueta is no longer one of them.
Find more from James Jones at We Are West Ham
Category: General Sports
