How England should line up once Tuchel takes charge

Chelsea young guns driving perfect start to post-Hayes era

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

England's biggest winners & losers from the Nations League

Top 25 Serie A players of the 21st century - ranked

Szoboszlai in tears as Netherlands vs Hungary is halted

Why Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad

Ronaldo wants to make Guardiola the Selecao's new boss

Neymar told he’s ‘same level as Messi’ but ‘ruined career’

Rooney sends heartfelt message to Coleen before jungle stint  

Ronaldo sets clear timeline for retirement

Felix dazzles but Ronaldo-less Portugal lack finishers

Is 1,000 goals realistic? Ex-CR7 rival says he’ll ‘get there’

Manchester City

Manchester United

Liverpool

Arsenal

Chelsea

Other

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Paqueta under FA investigation for betting charges</li><li>Could face a lengthy suspension</li><li>Flamengo ready to open their doors to revive his career</li></ul>

Lucas Paqueta wanted back at Flamengo as Brazilian club open talks with West Ham despite FA betting charges

Serie A

Cuiaba

Flamengo

Premier League

Newcastle

West Ham

Currently representing Brazil at the 2024 Copa America in the United States, Paqueta's future with West Ham United hangs in the balance due to an ongoing investigation by the Football Association (FA) into alleged betting breaches.The FA's investigation into Paqueta stems from <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lucas-paqueta-issues-furious-response-hit-fa-charge-breaching-betting-rules-leaves-man-city-move-danger-collapse/blt5eacc89153dd4ee1" target="_blank">allegations of misconduct related to betting on four Premier League matches</a>. According to formal charges filed on May 23, 2024, Paqueta is accused of deliberately acquiring yellow cards in matches between November 2022 and August 2023. If found guilty, Paqueta could face a lengthy suspension, which could<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/ten-year-ban-lucas-paqueta-west-ham-fear-brazil-career-over-after-charge-betting-breaches/bltd8c7d56a4fd8ff6e" target="_blank"> potentially extend to 10 years</a>, further complicating his professional trajectory and impacting his market value.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In the midst of this tumultuous period, Flamengo, Paqueta's former club, has expressed a strong interest in bringing him back to Brazil. According to the Brazilian publication<a href="https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/flamengo/noticia/2024/07/03/flamengo-abre-conversas-para-repatriar-lucas-paqueta.ghtml" target="_blank"> Globo,</a> Flamengo initiated talks with West Ham approximately a month ago, and although discussions are still in their early stages, there is optimism about reaching an agreement. Flamengo, where Paqueta began his professional career in 2016 after rising through the youth ranks, have made him their top transfer priority. The club is eager to reintegrate him into their squad as they compete in the Brasileirao, Copa Libertadores, and Copa do Brasil.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Flamengo views itself as a potential refuge for Paqueta amidst his legal and professional uncertainties. They are already working on a legal blueprint to "avoid being harmed" if Paqueta is <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lucas-paqueta-issues-furious-response-hit-fa-charge-breaching-betting-rules-leaves-man-city-move-danger-collapse/blt5eacc89153dd4ee1" target="_blank">handed a suspension by the FA, which FIFA could implement globally.</a> They believe that by returning to Flamengo, Paqueta could find a supportive environment that may help him navigate this challenging phase.

DID YOU KNOW?

West Ham, having invested £51 million ($65m) in acquiring Paqueta in 2022, face a dilemma. While the club would prefer to retain the midfielder given his contributions on the field, the uncertainty of his availability due to the FA investigation might prompt them to consider a transfer. Recouping a portion of their investment could be a pragmatic move, especially if the situation drags on without resolution. The potential transfer to Flamengo could be structured either as a loan or a permanent deal, with negotiations likely to be a lengthy affair.

WHAT NEXT?

Lucas Paqueta wanted back at Flamengo as Brazilian club open talks with West Ham despite FA betting charges | Goal.com

Lucas Paqueta could reportedly head back to Flamengo as the Brazilian club has opened talks with West Ham for the midfielder.