West Ham Unlikely to Take Legal Action Over Collapsed Lucas Paqueta-Manchester City Transfer

West Ham United are not expected to pursue legal action against the English Football Association, even if Lucas Paqueta is cleared of allegations of spot-fixing that scuppered a proposed £85 million move to Manchester City in 2023.

The transfer collapsed shortly after West Ham notified City of the FA’s investigation into the Brazilian international. The incident effectively derailed a marquee switch for both club and player, with financial and strategic repercussions felt throughout the 2023/24 season and beyond.

The Daily Mail’s James Sharpe reports that West Ham will likely accept the consequences without escalating the matter legally, citing the extended timeline and complexity of the ongoing FA probe.

Paqueta’s future remains uncertain. Should the 27-year-old be exonerated, interest from clubs across Europe is expected to reignite. However, a move to Manchester City now seems unlikely, with Pep Guardiola’s squad having reinforced their midfield with several new additions.

West Ham, under new manager Graham Potter, could look to capitalise on any revived market interest in Paqueta. The club is reportedly seeking significantly more than £25 million if they opt to sell the player this summer, with a return to Flamengo one possible route.

FAQ

• Why did the Manchester City move collapse? An FA investigation into betting-related yellow cards involving Paqueta halted the deal.
• Is legal action being considered? Unlikely. West Ham appear to have accepted the situation without plans for litigation.
• Could Paqueta still move this summer? Yes, if cleared. European interest is expected to return.
• Are Manchester City still interested? No — the club has moved on and reinforced its midfield.

Conclusion

As the FA’s long-running investigation nears its end, Lucas Paqueta’s career remains in limbo. While West Ham are expected to refrain from legal action, the outcome could still reshape the midfielder’s future if cleared of wrongdoing.