Manchester City are poised to make a bold move for West Ham United’s star playmaker Lucas Paqueta, rekindling their interest in the Brazilian midfielder after a failed attempt in 2023. The 27-year-old, now cleared of serious betting allegations, has re-emerged as a prime target for Pep Guardiola, who once hailed him as “top-class” for his ability to transform games with incisive passes and dynamic runs. With the summer transfer window nearing its close, City’s renewed interest signals their determination to bolster their squad following a trophyless 2024-25 season, as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the Premier League and beyond.
Paqueta’s journey in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable since his £51 million move from Lyon to West Ham in August 2022. The attacking midfielder has become the heartbeat of the Hammers’ midfield, contributing 18 goals and 14 assists in 120 appearances. His flair and creativity caught Guardiola’s eye in 2023, when City tabled a £70 million bid, only for West Ham to hold firm at a £90 million valuation. The deal collapsed amid an FA investigation into alleged betting breaches, which accused Paqueta of deliberately receiving bookings in four matches between 2022 and 2023. The charges, which could have led to a career-ending ban, were recently deemed “not proven” by the Regulatory Commission. “Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations,” Paqueta said, expressing relief and eagerness to return to the pitch. “I can’t say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face.”
The resolution of Paqueta’s case has opened the door for Manchester City to reignite their pursuit. Reports indicate that City have formally contacted West Ham to express their interest, with the Hammers setting a price tag of £50-60 million, including bonuses—a significant drop from the £80 million fee discussed in 2023. This reduced valuation reflects West Ham’s openness to a sale, especially after losing Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham earlier this summer. “West Ham are delighted but not surprised that Lucas Paqueta has been cleared,” said journalist Graeme Bailey, noting the club’s awareness of the decision before its official announcement. The prospect of losing another key player, however, is a blow for West Ham, with Flamengo’s manager Felipe Luís recently praising Paqueta as “quality” and hinting at a potential return to Brazil.
For Manchester City, Paqueta represents a strategic addition to a midfield undergoing a significant rebuild. The departure of Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli and the impending exits of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan next summer have left gaps in City’s creative engine. Paqueta would compete with recent signing Rayan Cherki for the No. 10 role, alongside Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush. Guardiola’s admiration for Paqueta’s versatility—he can operate as an attacking midfielder or winger—makes him an ideal fit for City’s fluid system. Former West Ham coach Kevin Nolan was once convinced Paqueta was City-bound in 2023, and fans are now buzzing with anticipation. “Lucas Paqueta to City would be a game-changer,” one supporter posted online, reflecting the excitement around the potential transfer.
City’s transfer activity this summer has been robust, with six new signings, including James Trafford, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders, aimed at addressing last season’s shortcomings, which saw them finish third in the Premier League and exit the Club World Cup early. Despite reports suggesting City’s focus has shifted to outgoings, the opportunity to sign Paqueta at a reduced fee has prompted a rethink. “It’s hard to see Man City moving for Paqueta this summer, having signed Cherki,” noted one observer, but the Brazilian’s availability and Guardiola’s long-standing admiration could tip the scales. City’s financial strength, even amidst 130 alleged Profitability and Sustainability Rules breaches, gives them the flexibility to pursue such a deal.
West Ham, meanwhile, are bracing for negotiations while exploring replacements like James McAtee, a City youngster whose contract expires next summer. The Hammers’ recent bid for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor, valued at €8 million, shows their intent to reinvest any potential Paqueta funds. For Paqueta, a move to City offers a chance to compete for major honors and secure a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup. As one fan remarked online, “Paqueta’s clearance changes everything—City won’t let this chance slip again.” With the transfer window ticking down, all eyes are on the Etihad to see if Guardiola can finally land his “top-class” target, setting the stage for a blockbuster end to the summer.
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