𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Lucas Paqueta had an £80m transfer to Manchester City agreed

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Lucas Paqueta had an £80m transfer to Manchester City agreed

 

This was before the FA emailed West Ham in August 2023 to inform them an investigation had been opened into suspicious betting patterns surrounding Paqueta.

In the summer of 2023, Manchester City sought to bolster their midfield following the departure of Ilkay Gündogan to FC Barcelona. Their attention turned to Lucas Paquetá, a Brazilian midfielder who had impressed during his tenure at West Ham United. Negotiations between the clubs advanced rapidly, with reports indicating that an £80 million transfer fee had been agreed upon in principle. Paquetá was poised to sign a six-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions, signaling a significant step in his career.

 

However, the promising transfer was abruptly halted due to an investigation by the Football Association (FA) into alleged betting breaches involving Paquetá. The FA’s inquiry centered on suspicious betting patterns related to yellow cards he received in specific matches. Notably, an unusual number of bets were placed in Brazil, particularly from accounts registered on Paquetá Island—his birthplace—on him receiving yellow cards during West Ham’s fixtures against Aston Villa on March 12, 2023, Leeds United on May 21, 2023, and Bournemouth on August 12, 2023. These anomalies prompted the International Betting Integrity Association to alert both FIFA and the FA, leading to the subsequent investigation.

 

The emergence of this investigation had immediate ramifications for Paquetá’s career trajectory. Manchester City, upon learning of the FA’s probe, decided to withdraw from the transfer agreement, effectively nullifying the £80 million deal. This decision underscored the club’s cautious approach to potential controversies that could affect team dynamics and reputation. Sources close to the negotiations expressed hope that the transfer might be revisited in the January window, contingent upon the resolution of the investigation and Paquetá’s exoneration.

 

The allegations against Paquetá were grave, with the FA’s investigation focusing on potential spot-fixing—a form of match manipulation where specific events within a game are pre-determined, often to benefit betting outcomes. If found guilty, Paquetá faced severe sanctions, including a possible lifetime ban from professional football. Such a penalty would not only tarnish his personal reputation but also serve as a stern warning to others about the consequences of breaching betting regulations.

 

In response to these allegations, Paquetá vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He cooperated with the investigation, attending interviews with the FA to present his defense. His legal team, led by the esteemed sports lawyer Nick De Marco KC, prepared to challenge the allegations, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence directly linking Paquetá to the suspicious betting activities. They highlighted that while the bets were placed from his hometown, there was no proof that Paquetá himself was involved or had influenced the betting patterns.

 

Throughout this tumultuous period, West Ham United stood by their player. The club allowed Paquetá to continue participating in matches, reflecting a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. In a notable display of resilience, Paquetá delivered a standout performance against Chelsea, scoring a late penalty in a 3-1 victory. Manager David Moyes praised his character and professionalism, stating, “I thought 65,000 people stood to their feet and applauded him because they know his ability and what he brings. He gives us a different type of player.”

 

The investigation’s impact extended beyond the Premier League. Paquetá was omitted from Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Bolivia, a decision that underscored the seriousness of the allegations and their potential implications for his international career. The Brazilian Football Confederation, adhering to a strict code of conduct, preferred to sideline players under investigation to maintain the team’s integrity and focus.

 

The collapse of Paquetá’s transfer to Manchester City had broader implications for both clubs involved. For West Ham, retaining a key player meant they could maintain the midfield strength crucial for their Premier League campaign. However, they also had to manage the potential fallout from the ongoing investigation and its impact on team morale and public perception. For Manchester City, missing out on Paquetá necessitated a reassessment of their transfer strategy. The club had identified him as a suitable replacement for Gündogan, and his absence meant exploring alternative options to fill the midfield void. Subsequently, City pursued other targets, including Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, to bolster their squad.

 

The situation also highlighted the intricate relationship between football and betting industries. While betting is a legitimate enterprise, its intersection with sports poses challenges, particularly concerning integrity and fair play. Regulatory bodies like the FA are tasked with monitoring and investigating any irregularities to preserve the sport’s credibility. The Paquetá case served as a reminder of the vigilance required to protect football from potential corruption.

 

As of March 2025, the investigation into Paquetá has progressed to a critical juncture. The FA’s prosecution for spot-fixing and obstruction is underway, with the potential for severe penalties if he is found guilty. Paquetá continues to assert his innocence, and the football community keenly awaits the outcome, recognizing its potential to set significant precedents for the sport’s governance and the handling of betting-related offenses.

 

In conclusion, the aborted £80 million transfer of Lucas Paquetá to Manchester City serves as a complex case study at the intersection of sports, ethics, and law. It underscores the fragility of football careers amid allegations of misconduct and the far-reaching consequences such investigations can have on players, clubs, and the sport’s integrity. The resolution of Paquetá’s case will undoubtedly influence future policies and the approach towards betting regulations within professional football.

 

 

West Ham passed this information to Man City, who then pulled out of the transfer, reports @guardian_sport.