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Lucas Paqueta and West Ham United have just been dealt a really painful blow, and it could be a big problem for us.
West Ham signed Lucas Paqueta from Lyon in the summer of 2022 for a club record £51 million fee.
The Brazilian has been brilliant for West Ham on the whole, but his form has definitely regressed over the past year.
It’s no surprise that that dip in form, or at least in the consistency of his performances, has coincided with the investigation into him for his role in potential betting breaches.
He has now been charged for the alleged offences, and if he’s found guilty he reportedly could receive a lifetime ban.
The South American is alleged to have been intentionally booked in games against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth dating back to November 2022.
And he faces two further charges for failing to comply with the investigation.
The investigation is clearly affecting him on the pitch.
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Tony Gale ripped Paqueta apart for his performance against Ipswich Town on Saturday, and he was spot on, the Brazilian really was poor in spite of his goal.
Now the 27-year-old has been dealt a very big blow indeed, as have the Hammers for that matter…
Major blow for Lucas Paqueta and West Ham is utterly farcical
The problem the Hammers are facing right now is that we have an underperforming asset who isn’t producing the goods for us.
However, because of the ongoing investigation, we have been unable to sell him.
One way or the other, the Hammers need an answer on what is going to happen with the former Lyon man.
That’s why the latest update on the situation is so frustrating to hear.
According to a report from The Sun, Paqueta is not expected to face his hearing over alleged spot fixing until March.
And the Sun once again highlight how Paqueta could face a lifetime ban, if found guilty.
Surely this hearing should have been carried out in the summer, or during the 2025 off-season.
The fact that is mid-season is a joke in my opinion, and it will be hugely disruptive to the Hammers’ Premier League campaign.
West Ham and Paqueta need closure
If the 27-year-old is to get back to his best, he needs an answer on his situation sooner rather than later.
It must be impossible for Paqueta to perform to his best levels when he has the ongoing betting investigation in the back of his mind.
The fact we’ve got to wait until March now for an answer is an utter joke, and that’s just when the hearing will start by the way.
Surely he’s either guilty or he’s not.
We just have to all keep our fingers crossed at West Ham that Lucas Paqueta is found innocent of the charges levelled against him.
And if he is found guilty, let’s hope that he is given a short-term ban.
The bottom line is that the Hammers need Paqueta to be at his very best if we are to reach our potential. And right now, it’s impossible for the midfielder to be the best version of himself unfortunately.
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