Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta is currently in a tough spot in his career after betting allegations were made against him. The player joined West Ham in August 2022, and since then he has appeared in 46 matches and scored six goals.
Lucas claimed that he had no idea about any of the bets that were made under his name. The police are currently investigating the case, and this has cost Paqueta a move to Manchester City. Nonetheless, Newcastle United are still interested in him, and reports claim they might be looking to make a move for the player.
Newcastle target Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta has been a great asset for West Ham United. He even assisted Jarrod Bowen in scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final. Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, thinks that the player can also do great things for his club.
Newcastle is appearing in the UEFA Champions League after two decades, and having a player like Lucas Paqueta can prove useful to them.
The club is in group F of the Champions League group stages, which means they will have to face teams like PSG, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund. Each club is among the best in its respective league, and Newcastle will have to bring their A-game if they want to move on to the round of 16. Reports claim that the club will be willing to offer £52 million for the Brazilian in the winter market.
Bruno Guimaraes is also a part of Newcastle. Both Paqueta and Guimaraes used to play for Lyon before Bruno left in the winter market of 2022. If Lucas Paqueta makes a move to Newcastle, the two players will unite once again, and things may improve for the Magpies.
Lucas Paqueta still at West Ham after Man City deal collapse
Before Newcastle, current Premier League champions Manchester City were interested in the player. City has lost two of its midfielders this season. Ikay Gundogan left the club to join FC Barcelona, and Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is suffering from a hamstring injury.
Paqueta’s addition to the team was a profitable deal for the club, and they were ready to offer £70 million for him. A move to the Etihad would have been a great leap in the Brazilian’s career, but the deal collapsed after an investigation was opened against him. Following the betting allegations, City pulled out of the deal, and Lucas Paqueta remained at West Ham United.
Do you see Lucas Paqueta playing for the Magpies in the upcoming winter? Tell us what you think in the comments.
