In a transfer window buzzing with possibilities, Manchester City have reignited their pursuit of West Ham United’s dynamic midfielder Lucas Paqueta, a player long admired by manager Pep Guardiola. On July 27, 2025, news broke that the Brazilian star, once valued at a hefty £80 million, could now be secured for a stunningly reduced £30 million, a dramatic shift that has sent ripples through the Premier League. This development follows Paqueta’s clearance from betting and spot-fixing allegations, a cloud that had previously stalled a potential move to the Etihad in 2023. “Manchester City remain huge admirers of the player and do not rule them out coming back in,” a source close to the deal revealed, highlighting the renewed optimism surrounding the 27-year-old’s future. With City looking to reshape their midfield, Paqueta’s flair and versatility make him an enticing prospect at a bargain price.
Paqueta’s journey in the Premier League began in August 2022, when West Ham secured his services from Lyon for a club-record £51 million. Since then, the attacking midfielder has been a revelation, contributing 18 goals and 14 assists in 120 appearances for the Hammers. His ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes and game-changing runs has made him a standout, earning praise from Guardiola himself. “He’s an exceptional player, he can play in different roles,” Guardiola said in 2023, before a match against West Ham, where Paqueta was seen sharing a warm greeting with the City boss. That summer, City had agreed personal terms with Paqueta and outlined an £80 million deal, only for the transfer to collapse due to an FA investigation into alleged betting breaches. Now, with the charges cleared, West Ham’s willingness to accept “less than half” of their original valuation has opened the door for City to revisit their interest, with a £30 million bid potentially enough to seal the deal.
The timing couldn’t be more critical for Manchester City, who are navigating a transitional phase in their midfield. The departure of Kevin De Bruyne has left a creative void, and Matheus Nunes, signed as an alternative to Paqueta in 2023, has struggled to cement a central role, often deployed at right-back. Paqueta, with his blend of technical brilliance and tireless work rate, fits Guardiola’s vision perfectly, offering the guile and edge needed to complement City’s attacking stars like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. “The £80m fee they previously agreed is likely to be more than halved if they do return,” a report noted, underscoring the financial appeal of the deal for a club known for shrewd market moves. City’s success in absorbing major exits—like Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez—while winning a historic treble in 2023, proves their recruitment prowess, but Paqueta represents an opportunity to add a proven Premier League talent at a fraction of his earlier cost.
Paqueta’s marketability has surged since his clearance, with interest extending beyond City. Flamengo, his former club in Brazil, and clubs in the Saudi Pro League are also monitoring the situation, drawn by his versatility and proven track record. At West Ham, Paqueta played a pivotal role in their 2023 Europa Conference League triumph, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments. However, with two years left on his contract, West Ham’s decision to lower their asking price suggests a strategic move to bolster their squad under new manager Julen Lopetegui, who is eyeing reinforcements ahead of the 2025/26 season. “A bid in the region of £30m could be enough to secure his services in the current window,” an insider confirmed, signaling the Hammers’ readiness to part ways.
For City, the potential signing of Paqueta could be a masterstroke, especially after their unprecedented four consecutive Premier League titles. The club’s financial muscle, backed by the Abu Dhabi United Group since 2008, allows them to capitalize on such opportunities, but the reduced fee makes this deal particularly attractive. Paqueta’s ability to operate as a No. 10 or in a deeper playmaking role could unlock new tactical dimensions for Guardiola, whose admiration for the Brazilian has never wavered. As the transfer window heats up, Paqueta’s next move will be closely watched, with City poised to strike and add another gem to their star-studded squad.
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