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Lucas Paquetá Details City Move Collapse as Reports Point to Possible January Exit

The West Ham midfielder says the FA probe derailed an £80m transfer, leaving lasting psychological strain.

Overview

  • Paquetá says he was days from signing for Manchester City in August 2023 before receiving the FA letter that halted the move, calling it a lost leap in his career.
  • An independent commission in July 2025 found the spot‑fixing allegations not proven, noted limited cooperation issues, and imposed no sporting sanction as the FA absorbed significant legal costs.
  • He explains he needed psychological support during the two‑year process and describes the toll on his family, even as he returned to playing with renewed ease.
  • The Brazil international confirms Flamengo made approaches and says he considered a return out of affection for his boyhood club but chose to stay out of loyalty to West Ham’s support.
  • He remains under contract until 2027, and separate reports claim a verbal understanding could allow a January exit with Flamengo linked around €30m, though formal negotiations have not been confirmed.