Lucas Paqueta West Ham return date as Martyn Ziegler makes stunning new claim. Hammers News can reveal Lucas Paqueta’s expected West Ham return date as The Times’ chief reporter Martyn Ziegler makes a stunning new claim.
Things have been far from easy for Lucas Paqueta – and West Ham – over the last year.
It remains to be seen whether that has been self-inflicted or not.
Allegations of spot fixing were levelled against the 26-year-old West Ham ace last summer.
The accusations – which Paqueta has always vehemently denied – scuppered a “dream” move to Man City last summer. When the FA then made them official charges, it also put paid to that move this summer.
That cost West Ham an £85m pay day in the process, after the Hammers were reportedly happy to sell to help fund Julen Lopetegui’s rebuild.
The fate of Paqueta – and West Ham’s millions – now rests in the hands of an independent three-person panel.
The uncertainty over Paqueta’s future has left West Ham in a difficult position.
They do not know when a decision will be handed down. Therefore the club are trying to sign a left-sided attacker to guard against a worst case scenario.
How to solve a problem like Paqueta for West Ham
Some West Ham fans were not happy with Paqueta’s body language and actions in the second half of last season.
Especially when he failed acknowledge them after defeat in the Europa League quarter-final at Bayer Leverkusen where he was needlessly booked despite knowing it would see him banned for the crucial second leg. If Paqueta was looking for respite after being recalled by Brazil for the Copa America then he was left wanting.
He and his Selecao teammates have been savaged by their country’s fans and press after being knocked out by Uruguay in the quarter-finals. It came amid rumours Flamengo want to bring Paqueta back to Brazil from West Ham and that the player is keen to return.
There has been talk of both a discounted permanent deal and loan with an obligation to buy that kicks in should Paqueta eventually be absolved of wrongdoing by the panel.
If the panel finds against him, West Ham’s record £51m signing faces a lifetime, worldwide ban. Things appear to be getting on top of Paqueta if his latest social media post is anything to go by.
Brazilian outlet Globo claims Flamengo are determined to sign Paqueta ‘immediately’. Paqueta West Ham return date as Ziegler makes stunning claim
It was recently reported that Paqueta is actually pushing to leave the Hammers this summer.
Some Hammers fans have been speculating about the situation, with a lot of misinformation around about when he is due back.
Hammers News can reveal Paqueta’s West Ham return date as Martyn Ziegler makes a stunning new claim.
Paqueta was involved in the Copa America with Brazil.
But, like all players involved in internationals post season, he is entitled to two weeks’ holiday from his last international game.
Brazil lost on penalties in the quarter-finals against Uruguay on July 7th. So he is officially due back at West Ham on Monday July 22nd.
But given West Ham are heading to the USA, Paqueta may just meet up with new head coach Julen Lopetegui and the squad in Florida instead. Paqueta due back at West Ham and he’ll be available all season
There is also huge news from The Times’ chief reporter Ziegler this evening.
The journalist claims West Ham will have Paqueta available all of next season because the panel will not hand down a decision until ‘well into next year’.
Ziegler says the complexity of case, which is understood to involve several individuals and sports, means the outcome is expected to stretch well into 2025.
“Lucas Paqueta is set to be available to play for West Ham United for almost all of next season despite the spot-fixing charges hanging over him…” Ziegler reports.
“Sources with knowledge of the process have said that the outcome could be delayed until close to the end of the season, or potentially beyond.”
