Lucas Paqueta could secure surprise move this summer despite FA betting charges

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta could secure a surprise move away from the club this summer despite facing FA betting charges.

Paqueta impressed during his first season with the Hammers in 2022-23, prompting interest from Manchester City and several other major clubs.

However, the Brazilian's future was cast into doubt last summer when the Football Association launched an investigation into suspected breaches of its betting regulations.

On May 23, 2024, the FA charged Paqueta with misconduct in relation to betting on four Premier League games. According to the formal charge, the player forced yellow cards in four matches between November 2022 and August 2023.

With no deadline set for the conclusion of the investigation, interest from City has cooled.

If found guilty, it is likely that Paqueta will receive a lengthy suspension.

It is a difficult situation for the midfielder, who is currently representing Brazil at the 2024 Copa America in the United States.

Yet despite the uncertainty regarding his future, former club Flamengo are reportedly working to bring Paqueta back to his homeland.

According to Brazilian publication Globo, Flamengo initiated talks with West Ham one month ago, and while talks are still at an early stage, there is optimism that a deal can be agreed.

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The Brazilian giants - where Paqueta rose through the youth ranks before starting his professional career in 2016 - have made the midfielder their number on transfer priority, and want to bring him in as soon as possible so that he can play in the current stages of the Brasileirao, Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil.

Flamengo feel that they can be a kind of refuge for the player, even if the FA hand him a suspension which is then implemented outside the UK by FIFA.

Paqueta is reportedly excited about the possibility of returning home, although negotiations are likely to be long, with West Ham preferring a permanent transfer and Flamengo eyeing up a loan deal.

Sources close to the player feel that leaving the Premier League could help Paqueta on a personal level as well as potentially mitigate a potential punishment.

West Ham would prefer not to lose Paqueta, but given the uncertainty regarding his future, they may take the opportunity to recoup part of the £51 million fee they paid for him in 2022.