Lucas Paquetá has been cleared in the English FA’s betting investigation, putting an end to months of uncertainty. Now West Ham have wasted no time in signalling their new stance: the midfielder is back on the market, but only for the right price.
According to reports from Brazil, the Hammers are now expecting between £50m – £60m in fixed fees and bonuses to part ways with the 27-year-old. It marks a significant shift after nearly two years of wait, during which Paquetá’s market value dropped and his career was put on hold by the legal case.
At the time the allegations became public in August 2023, Paquetá was close to joining Manchester City in a £100m deal. That collapsed when the charges surfaced. Now, with the case closed and his name cleared, both the player and West Ham are open to renewed interest.
The London club is not ruling out keeping him for the 2025/26 season, but fresh offers would be welcomed. The midfielder is under contract until June 2027 with an option for another year, but could see his name return to the headlines as one of the summer’s most valuable assets.
Manchester City remain in the picture according to the Brazilian outlet. No formal approach has been made, but the reigning Premier League champions have reportedly communicated that Paquetá is still on their radar. As the English transfer window is set to close on September 1, there is time for movement, and West Ham are preparing accordingly.
Meanwhile, talk of a return to Brazil – heavily fuelled by Flamengo fans and even subtle hints from the club’s media team – appears increasingly unlikely. As reported in previous weeks, Flamengo had made contact with Paquetá’s entourage and, during last year’s Copa América, submitted an offer of €15m while accepting the risk of a potential suspension. That proposal was promptly rejected by West Ham.
Now, with the asking price firmly in the £50m – £60m range and the player’s focus clearly on European football, a move back to Brazil is off the table for this window. Despite the affection from Flamengo supporters and past interest from the club’s hierarchy, Paquetá’s next step looks set to remain in Europe.
