£80m player will join Manchester City this summer

£80m player will join Manchester City this summer

Lucas Paqueta is expected to become a Manchester City player this summer as Pep Guardiola remains keen on bringing the West Ham No.10 to the Etihad Stadium.

 

That is according to Graeme Bailey.

 

 

So, what is the latest on Lucas Paqueta and Manchester City? Let’s take a look…

 

Lucas Paqueta expected to join Manchester City

Well – according to Sky Sports – Manchester City almost agreed an £80m deal to sign the Brazil international back in August.

 

The playmaker was even seen hugging Guardiola before Manchester City’s 3-1 win at the London Stadium earlier this season.

 

However, Paqueta found himself involved in a difficult situation, as both the FA and FIFA lodged an investigation into suspicious betting patterns, which spoiled his move to the Etihad Stadium.

 

Now, however – according to Bailey – the South American is expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing, which should then allow him to finally seal a switch to Manchester City this summer.

 

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The HITC Football journalist said: “I am told he is not guilty. He will be cleared, so he has basically been denied a move to Manchester City in the last two windows. If he was clear now, I think Man City would have gone in for him.

 

“I firmly believe that Man City will be back in for him in the summer. I will be very surprised if he’s not a Man City player next season.”

 

paqueta manchester city

Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images

 

Paqueta has enjoyed another impressive campaign at West Ham so far this season, scoring five goals – while also providing six assists – in 27 appearances across all competitions.

 

Lucas Paqueta will thrive under Pep Guardiola

In our view, this move could take Manchester City to another level.

 

paqueta manchester city

Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images

A midfield of Paqueta and Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Rodri is enough to make your mouth water – especially with the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku in attack.

 

Furthermore, the Brazilian is just 26 years of age, so he should be in a position to take over the creative responsibility from De Bruyne in years to come, as the Belgian turns 33 in June.