Paqueta and Manchester City? Last year’s saga begins again

Lucas Paqueta is once again being linked with a move to Manchester City. So West Ham are getting used to the fact that probably every transfer window their biggest star will be linked with a move away. This time, however, things are said to have already been set in motion and the Brazilian is expected to move.

Last summer

Lucas Paqueta seemed to be making a change of venue. After a phenomenal season at West Ham, which was capped off by winning the Conference winners’ trophy, speculation began to swirl about a possible transfer for the Brazilian.

Manchester City were of course the most interested. Primarily because of the price tag set, which was expected to be around £70 million. Most other clubs could not afford to pay such a high sum, although the Brazilian scored 5 goals and 7 assists in 43 games this season.

Paqueta was supposed to be a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian was injured over the summer and was unavailable to Guardiola for much of the autumn. In his place, the Hammers star would be starting. In the end, the transfer fell through, but why?

The Brazilian midfielder was accused in a betting scandal. Allegedly, he had bet in his native Brazil on his yellow card. Because of this, Manchester City probably changed their minds and withdrew their interest with a possible bid. However, unlike the likes of Sandro Tonali, the Brazilian has cleared himself of the charges.

Paqueta should move

At the moment, Paqueta is clearly the key player for the whole of West Ham. With him falling and rising in performance, no other player is as creative and his absence is hellishly noticeable. He is the main reason West Ham are in 7th place. Plus, 6th place is still in play.

This season, the Brazilian has registered 8 goals and 7 assists in the 37 games he has been involved in. His price has even climbed to 65 million euros already, last summer it was 20 million less. So the interested parties are slapping themselves in the pocket.

According to GOAL, the Brazilian should have already agreed personal terms with Manchester City. If that is the case, the Citizens just need to fine-tune the details with West Ham regarding the amount, which could hit the €100 million mark.

Source: Tranfermarkt, Goal.com