West Ham in anger over ‘act of backstabbing ’ from own player – Agent holds talks with another club
West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been a key figure for the club this season, making 25 appearances and contributing five goals. However, his future in East London has been thrown into doubt as fresh reports emerge about his agent actively exploring a potential move away from the club.
According to multiple sources from Brazil, Paquetá’s representative recently held a ‘secret’ meeting with Flamengo’s sporting director, José Boto, sparking controversy within West Ham’s ranks. Brazilian outlet O Dia has now detailed the behind-the-scenes drama, revealing that the discussions took place last Tuesday at Flamengo’s training centre, where Paquetá’s camp inquired about a possible return to Brazil.
West Ham Caught Off Guard by Agent’s Move
West Ham, who are already dealing with the ongoing FA investigation into Paquetá for alleged breaches of betting regulations, were reportedly blindsided by the meeting. The London club had no prior knowledge of the talks and were left stunned when they found out about it through media reports.
Despite publicly backing the 27-year-old playmaker in his legal battle, even hiring top sports lawyer Nick De Marco KC to handle his defense, West Ham now feel a sense of betrayal from Paquetá’s representatives. According to O Dia, the club believes that his camp should have communicated their intentions transparently, rather than engaging in negotiations behind their back.
West Ham Ready to Sell – But Will Flamengo Move?
Adding another layer to the saga, O Dia claims West Ham are open to selling Paquetá in the summer, with an asking price of £20 million. This figure is significantly lower than the £51 million they originally paid Lyon for his services in 2022, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his situation.
Despite their interest, Flamengo are in no rush to make a move. The Brazilian club is reportedly waiting for the outcome of the FA’s investigation before deciding on their next steps. If Paquetá is cleared, they could step up their efforts to negotiate a transfer. However, if the case results in a suspension, it could complicate matters and potentially scare off suitors.
A Summer of Uncertainty for Paquetá
With West Ham’s displeasure over his agent’s actions and Flamengo’s hesitation to commit, Paquetá’s future remains in limbo. Whether he remains in the Premier League or makes a high-profile return to Brazil will likely depend on how his legal battle unfolds in the coming months.
