West Ham United say they don’t have any intention of loaning Lucas Paqueta to his boyhood membership Flamengo.
The Brazilian facet need to signal Paqueta on a brief deal, however West Ham are reluctant to interact in talks and plan on holding the playmaker.
Final month the 26-year-old requested extra time to answer his Soccer Affiliation (FA) cost for alleged betting breaches. He denies all wrongdoing.
The midfielder, who’s at present representing Brazil on the Copa America, is eager on a transfer again to play for his former membership whereas the FA case continues. The Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A league season runs from April to December.
Because it stands, Paqueta isn’t provisionally suspended from enjoying for his membership or nation and there’s no date for a last choice on the case.
He was cleared to play this summer time’s Copa America — the place he has thus far made three appearances for his nation — after the Brazil Soccer Federation (CBF) sought readability from the FA on his eligibility.
Paqueta might be given break day earlier than returning to Rush Inexperienced for pre-season coaching after the match.
The Brazil worldwide feels harshly handled by the FA having been charged with alleged betting breaches.
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Who’s Lucas Paqueta? The Brazil star with future doubtful over alleged betting breaches
He’s accused of getting himself intentionally booked in 4 Premier League video games. If discovered responsible, he could possibly be banned for all times, a concern that’s shared internally by senior figures at West Ham.
“I’m extraordinarily stunned and upset that the FA has determined to cost me,” mentioned Paqueta in response to the cost in Might.
“For 9 months, I’ve cooperated with each step of their investigation and offered all the data I can. I deny the fees of their entirety and can struggle with each breath to clear my identify.”
Final summer time West Ham rejected a £70million ($89.2m) provide from Manchester Metropolis for Paqueta. His £85million ($108.4m) launch clause turned lively in June, however given the severity of his fees it’s unlikely to be activated by suitors.
Paqueta, West Ham’s document signing, who moved from Lyon in the summertime of 2022 for £51million ($65.2m at at the moment’s conversion charges), has scored 13 objectives throughout 84 appearances.
On Monday, Tim Steidten, the technical director, and head coach Julen Lopetegui got here to Paqueta’s defence and outlined his significance to the group.
“We all know Lucas and his household have suffered loads,” mentioned Lopetegui. “However I favored seeing him smile in his final match, as a result of he’s having fun with his soccer. We’re his household, this membership is his household, and we’re going to deal with him loads. We’re wanting ahead to having him play with us on the pitch.”
Steidten echoed Lopetegui’s sentiments. “I visited Lucas in Brazil and talked to him,” mentioned Steidten. “We’re wanting ahead to having him again. He’s an essential a part of our group and a member of our household.”
West Ham open up their pre-season marketing campaign in opposition to east London counterparts Dagenham and Redbridge on July 20.
They play Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
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Lucas Paqueta: What we’re listening to after cost for alleged betting breaches
(Ian Maule/Getty Photos)
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