Saudi Arabian money could save the day for West Ham’s summer transfer budget as intriguing new reports emerge.
Make no mistake when West Ham were planning this summer’s big rebuild it was very much on the basis they would have an extra £85m to play with.
What is a £100m base budget was expected to be nearly £200m.
As the world knows, West Ham and Man City agreed a deal to take Lucas Paqueta to the Etihad last summer for his £85m release clause.
But the investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal betting over yellow cards put paid to that move.
David Moyes confirmed he was on the verge of signing Cole Palmer from Man City until the collapse of the Paqueta deal scuppered that plan.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported recently that Manchester City were ‘more determined than ever’ to sign West Ham’s playmaker in the summer.
Rumours had abound that the case against Paqueta was going to be dropped.
Paqueta and West Ham between a rock and a hard place
Many Hammers fans had warmed to the idea of selling Paqueta.
The feeling among some was that the Brazilian ended last season ‘coasting’ ahead of an “expected” move to Man City this summer.
But when the FA announced Paqueta had been formally charged, that hit the buffers again.
The Brazilian will now have his fate decided by a three-person independent panel at at unknown date.
One thing is now clear, though, Paqueta will likely be leaving West Ham when his future is decided one way or another.
If he is found guilty then he will receive a seriously long-term ban and the door will be open for the Hammers to sue the player. If he is absolved then he will be sold.
The issue is that West Ham cannot sell him until the panel hands down its decision.
Or can they?
Saudi money could save the day for West Ham’s budget
Because Saudi money could save the day for West Ham’s summer transfer budget.
According to ESPN journalist Rob Dawson, Saudi side Al Nassr – the club for whom Cristiano Ronaldo plays – are considering signing Paqueta despite the case against him.
SportsKeeda reports that Dawson has said Al Nassr are looking to bring in a creative central midfielder this summer and have looked at Paqueta.
The report does state that any deal will be complicated by the FA charges brought against the 26-year-old for alleged spot-fixing.
But the fact they are showing interest in the West Ham star despite – and since – the charges suggests they may be willing to take a risk.
Perhaps they are looking to cut a deal with the Hammers where they pay less than Paqueta’s release clause in a calculated gamble on both sides.
Especially as it has been claimed the real reason for Paqueta’s official charge is so the FA can let the panel make the decision.
Could mega rich Al Nassr take calculated risk?
It could appeal to West Ham – for example – to take half the money knowing it is better than nothing should Paqueta eventually be found guilty.
On the flip side Al Nassr would be taking a big money risk but potentially getting the player for half the price if absolved.
Paqueta might play for a year or two before the panel convenes – we just don’t know.
It’s all ifs and buts of course. Al Nassr’s interest at this stage is certainly intriguing, though.
As the Saudis have proved with their actions in sports such as golf, boxing and football, the vast wealth behind them usually means they achieve their aims.
If they use it to launch a potentially clever deal for Paqueta, then West Ham may just see it as an acceptable “out” in the situation.
While boosting their funds for Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui’s overhaul at the same time.