As West Ham continues its pre-season preparations under new boss Graham Potter, one name remains front and center for fans and pundits alike — Lucas Paqueta.
The Brazilian midfielder, who has been engulfed in a lengthy and stressful investigation, is still waiting for clarity on his future, and Potter is urging the club to rally around him.
Potter Urges Support Despite Ongoing Uncertainty
Speaking after West Ham’s friendly loss to Manchester United in New Jersey, Potter made it clear that the situation surrounding Paqueta remains unresolved — at least officially.
“I don’t know anything,” he told reporters.
“I just know we have to support him. He’s been through a long ordeal. He’s a big personality in the group.”
Potter emphasized that he has not received any indication that a verdict is imminent from the Football Association (FA).
For now, the club and player remain in limbo.
Mail Sport Suggests Victory May Be Near for Paqueta
Though nothing has been confirmed by the FA, Mail Sport reported on Friday that Paqueta is believed to have successfully defended himself against the serious allegations — a major development in a case that has lasted nearly two years.
West Ham sources told Mail Sport they had received news of the verdict but maintained a firm stance: they couldn’t officially confirm or deny anything.
The FA has yet to make a public announcement.
The Weight of the Charges
The case dates back to August 2023, when Paqueta was accused of deliberately earning yellow cards during Premier League matches to influence betting markets.
His cautions in games against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds, and Bournemouth were scrutinized, resulting in four spot-fixing charges and two additional allegations of obstructing the FA’s investigation.
If found guilty, the FA was reportedly pushing for a lifetime ban — a punishment that would have ended Paqueta’s professional career.
That harsh possibility left the club furious over how long the probe had dragged on, especially with no resolution even after two years.
A Dream Deferred: The Missed Move to Manchester City
The investigation had massive implications for Paqueta’s career trajectory.
Back in 2023, he was on the verge of an £80 million transfer to Manchester City — a move that collapsed once the FA’s inquiry came to light.
That setback added another layer of frustration for both the player and West Ham, who had invested heavily in the Brazilian.
Moyes Backed Paqueta in His Fight
Interestingly, former West Ham manager David Moyes — now at Everton — reportedly stepped up to support Paqueta by acting as a witness during the proceedings.
The midfielder was represented by Nick De Marco KC, a top sports lawyer, during a hearing that concluded nearly two months ago.
Still, the public and the football world await the final verdict.
Nearly 1,000 Days of Mental Strain
The weight of the investigation has clearly taken a toll on Paqueta.
The yellow card that first raised suspicions — received against Leicester City on November 12, 2022 — happened almost 1,000 days ago.
Since then, those close to the Brazilian have described the process as deeply draining, with Paqueta constantly maintaining his innocence.
His hope all along has been to prove he did nothing wrong and return to football with his name cleared.
Faith From the Club — But Lingering Doubts
Despite the looming uncertainty, West Ham has publicly backed their star midfielder throughout.
Behind closed doors, however, there were growing concerns about the outcome, especially since the FA’s burden of proof is based on a “balance of probabilities” rather than the more stringent “beyond a reasonable doubt” required in criminal court cases.
From Club Record Signing to Potential Transfer Target
Paqueta’s importance to West Ham cannot be overstated.
Since joining from Lyon in 2022 for a club-record £51 million, he’s played a pivotal role in their success — including delivering a crucial assist in the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final that secured West Ham’s first major trophy in 43 years.
Now, if he is officially cleared, West Ham may have to make a decision.
With his name cleared and interest growing — especially from Brazilian side Flamengo — the club could face renewed transfer interest in the coming weeks.
So, What Comes Next?
With the official verdict from the FA still pending, the situation remains delicate.
Potter’s message is clear: while the club waits, they must stand by Paqueta and focus on unity.
Whether he remains at West Ham or not, what’s certain is that the next chapter in Paqueta’s career — and perhaps his redemption — is just around the corner.