West Ham United has been a troubled place for players, staff and fans for about the last two years. In the summer of ’23 – just weeks after the joys of Prague, the club’s short-lived contentment was torn apart by the FA allegations of ‘yellow cards for bets’ in mid August, destroying the player’s planned £85 million move to Manchester City and West Ham’s deal to receive Cole Palmer plus cash in exchange for the Brazilian’s sale.
Two full years later and TheTimes.com last night broke the story that Paqueta had been cleared of all charges and freed at last from the threat of a lifetime ban.
According to journalists Matt Lawton and Martyn Ziegler:
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“Lucas Paquetá is set to be cleared of charges of spot-fixing in what would be a sensational victory for West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder…. Sources with knowledge of the case have told The Times that the player is understood to have been cleared by an independent regulatory commission, with the decision due to be announced next week.”
Sensational indeed. For the player, who has maintained incredible dignity and composure under the most challenging public scrutiny. Sensational for West Ham: Their asset – and their transfer window – is now unblocked and potentially a £30-£50 million player once again. And for Hammers fans – perhaps the lifting of a very dark cloud.
If Paqueta is sold – I’d suggest he’ll want a fresh start whether elsewhere in the Premier League, in the Middle East or in Brazil ( As far away from the English Football Association as possible) – then the Hammers will find themselves with a vacancy for a playmaker but suddenly with the wherewithal to afford a James McAtee or a Harvey Elliott.
Which won’t wind the clock back two years and get Paqueta his dream move nor West Ham their £85 million. But it might mean – (always assuming the report in thetimes.com is correct: Those are two hugely respected journalists, by the way) – that player, club and fans can start to move forward with – perhaps – optimism for the future. Spare us Callum bloody Wilson and we might even raise a smile.