West Ham United are open to selling Lucas Paquetá this summer if he is cleared of wrongdoing in the ongoing spot-fixing investigation, according to a report from Hammers News. The Brazilian midfielder, signed in 2022 for a club-record £51 million, remains under scrutiny in a case that has now dragged on for nearly two years.
A spokesperson for the club board told Hammers News that there’s currently “no update on the case or a verdict being imminent”. They added that if the player is exonerated, several clubs from Saudi Arabia are expected to make a move, with three said to already be tracking the situation.
Contract Situation and Transfer Possibility
The board’s stance is at least partly shaped by financial pressure and Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules. According to Hammers News, a cleared Paquetá would be a strong candidate for a sale, given he earns £150,000 per week, making him West Ham’s highest-paid player.
Manchester City were twice linked with the 26-year-old over the past season, but both moves reportedly broke down due to the ongoing FA investigation. Hammers News noted, citing unnamed sources, that Pep Guardiola was interested in returning for the player if the situation was resolved in his favor.
Despite the uncertainty, West Ham feel they have leverage. Paquetá’s contract includes an option for a sixth year, which the club can trigger. That means he can’t leave on the cheap, and the board would hold out for a fee of at least £40 million if bids come in.
Saudi Interest and Player Reaction
Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs appears serious, and players under investigation or media pressure have historically seen the Gulf state as a softer landing. Paquetá could fetch a significant salary while sidestepping some of the intense spotlight he faces in Europe.
After West Ham’s final home match of the season against Ipswich Town, Paquetá was seen waving to supporters and looked visibly emotional. It’s unclear whether he was just acknowledging the crowd or hinting at a goodbye.
A verdict is still pending, but Hammers News reports it could arrive in the coming weeks.
