Lucas Paqueta’s Future at West Ham in Doubt as Betting Trial Begins
Lucas Paqueta is set to reunite with David Moyes, the manager who brought him to West Ham, but this could be his final game for the club, Hammers News confirms.
West Ham has Paqueta back from injury, and they will need him when they face Everton, especially after their poor performance against Newcastle.
David Moyes, now back at Everton, has been doing a great job since leaving West Ham at the end of last season. Meanwhile, the Hammers have already changed managers twice, first sacking Julen Lopetegui and then hiring Graham Potter—who was Everton’s top choice to replace Sean Dyche.
Paqueta’s Journey with West Ham and Moyes
As West Ham and Everton prepare to face off, Paqueta’s story adds an extra twist to the game. Since joining West Ham from Lyon for a club-record £51 million, the Brazilian star has had to toughen up. Moyes played a key role in that, ensuring Paqueta worked hard before showcasing his natural flair.
Paqueta also credited Moyes for supporting him when allegations of spot-fixing first surfaced in 2023. The midfielder was close to a big-money move to Manchester City after helping West Ham win their first trophy in 43 years.
Moyes later revealed that West Ham planned to sign Cole Palmer in exchange for Paqueta’s transfer to City. However, the move collapsed after Paqueta was formally charged. rial Could Mark Paqueta’s Last Game for West Ham
Last week, it was announced that Paqueta’s trial over illegal betting allegations will begin on Monday. A three-person panel will decide his fate, and the case could last up to three weeks—one of the longest in Football Association (FA) history.
West Ham was shocked by reports that the FA is pushing for Paqueta to receive a lifetime ban from football. Neither the FA nor West Ham have commented on the matter, while Paqueta insists he is innocent. Speaking through journalist Kaveh Solhekol, he vowed to fight to clear his name and has hired a top legal expert for his defense.
No Insurance for West Ham if Paqueta is Banned
Paqueta will be available for West Ham’s match against Everton, but he has been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming international break. If the trial does not go in his favor, the Everton match could be his last in a West Ham shirt—or even in professional football.
A senior source at London Stadium confirmed:
Paqueta’s trial starts on Monday. You can’t insure against a player committing an act that gets him banned.
West Ham faces the risk of losing a player worth £20 million with no financial protection. If Paqueta is banned, he will miss West Ham’s game against Wolves on April 1, and his career could be over. The club will be hoping for the best outcome as the trial unfolds.
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