The stars very much look to be aligning for a deal between West Ham and Man City for Lucas Paqueta after a £50m clause revelation.
It’s one of football’s worst kept secrets that West Ham star Lucas Paqueta almost joined Manchester City last summer.
That was before the betting accusations made against the West Ham talisman, which he vehemently denies.
That investigation is still hanging over Paqueta. But it has not stopped speculation that Manchester City will resurrect the Paqueta deal with West Ham in the summer window.
Man City still focused on signing Paqueta from West Ham
Especially after it emerged Paqueta’s people are pushing the FA for a conclusion so he can get that “dream” move.
Journalist Graeme Bailey reported that Manchester City are more determined than ever to sign the Hammers star in the summer.
Hammers fans certainly don’t want to see their Brazilian magnifico leave.
But like with Declan Rice before him, it feels like a case of when and not if Paqueta joins City.
Now a West Ham deal with Man City for Paqueta is inevitable after a £50m clause revelation.
Deal now inevitable after £50m clause revelation
In February The Telegraph claimed the reigning champions will now only be able to sign Paqueta if Bernardo Silva is sold this summer.
While it is not explicitly stated, it appears to be a clear sign Man City are having to tread more carefully regarding transfers as a result of the 115 FFP charges hanging over their head.
Initially that news appeared to be a boost for West Ham’s hopes of keeping Paqueta. Because selling Silva looked far easier said than done given he will have two years left on a contract extension signed just summer.
He turns 30 in the next window and there has been tightening of the belt across all of Europe when it comes to transfer spending.
But now it has emerged that the new deal Silva signed included a £50m release clause valid from this summer.
Paqueta cloud has a Silva lining
And Barcelona are being heavily linked with the world class playmaker at that knockdown price.
So that means – providing Paqueta is cleared of the betting charges – Man City are now looming ominously in the background for a deal West Ham were willing to sanction last August.
With Tim Steidten showing just what he can do with such funds, West Ham would feel confident the Paqueta money will be well spent.
One thing is for sure, Man City would be getting one hell of a player who seems almost perfect for that team.
Man City are one of the few clubs West Ham fans do not begrudge their star players joining if they are to be reluctantly sold.
And the good relations between the two sets of fans can be charted back to 1987 – as you can see in the video below.