What Happened?
Paqueta is currently representing Brazil at the 2024 Copa America in the United States, although his future with West Ham United is uncertain due to an ongoing Football Association (FA) investigation regarding alleged betting breaches.
The FA’s inquiry into Paqueta derives from claims of impropriety in betting on four Premier League games. According to the allegations filed on May 23, 2024, Paqueta is accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards in matches from November 2022 to August 2023. If found guilty, Paqueta may face a lengthy ban of up to ten years, disrupting his professional trajectory and affecting his market value.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
In the midst of this turbulent moment, Paqueta’s former club, Flamengo, has indicated a great desire to bring him back to Brazil. According to the Brazilian daily Globo, Flamengo began talks with West Ham about a month ago, and while the talks are still in their early stages, there is optimism that an agreement will be reached. Flamengo, where Paqueta began his professional career in 2016 after progressing through the youth ranks, has made him their number one transfer target. The club is eager to reintegrate him into their squad, which competes in the Brasileirao, Copa Libertadores, and Copa do Brasil.
Did you know?
Flamengo sees itself as a possible haven for Paqueta in the middle of his legal and professional difficulties. They are already developing a legal strategy to “avoid being harmed” if Paqueta is suspended by the FA, which FIFA might adopt worldwide. They feel that returning to Flamengo will provide Paqueta with a supportive environment to help him manage this difficult period.
WHAT IS NEXT?
West Ham confront a problem after investing £51 million ($65 million) in acquiring Paqueta in 2022. While the club would want to keep the midfielder because of his contributions on the field, the uncertainty surrounding his availability due to the FA probe may drive them to explore a transfer. Recouping a portion of their investment may be a practical step, particularly if the situation persists without resolution. The proposed transfer to Flamengo might be structured as a loan or a permanent agreement, with negotiations expected to be long.
