There is a bitter irony for Lucas Paqueta as an £85m West Ham deal with Man City is under threat according to a new report.

Many West Ham fans have been warming to the idea of selling Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City.

The feeling among some is that the Brazilian has been not so magnifico in recent months and is ‘coasting’ ahead of what’s being reported as an “expected” move to Man City this summer.

That’s not the only reason, though.

West Ham have the joint smallest squad in the Premier League alongside Manchester City with 22 players.

Six current first team players are leaving what is also the top flight’s second oldest squad on free transfers at the end of the season.

And the likes of Paqueta, Nayef Aguerd, Danny Ings and Maxwel Cornet are expected to be moved on too.

So West Ham will need the Paqueta money to help fund a major rebuild.

West Ham accepting of Paqueta move to Man City

As the world knows, West Ham and Man City had agreed a deal to take Paqueta to the Etihad last summer at his £85m release clause.

But an investigation into alleged illegal betting over yellow cards – which still hangs over Paqueta – put paid to that move.

For the avoidance of doubt, David Moyes confirmed as much yesterday by revealing he was on the verge of signing Palmer from Man City until the collapse of the Paqueta deal scuppered that plan.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported recently that Manchester City are more determined than ever to sign West Ham’s playmaker in the summer.

There is an acceptance among Hammers fans that it is a case of when and not if Paqueta joins the champions.

Many are excited and intrigued about what Hammers technical director Tim Steidten will do with the money given how expertly the Declan Rice funds were spent.

But there has been a massive twist in this particular story ahead of the window opening for domestic deals on June 14th.

And it’s bitter irony for Paqueta as the £85m West Ham deal with Man City is under threat.

Irony for Paqueta as £85m deal with Man City under threat

According to The Times Paqueta could now miss out on the move to Man City – and West Ham on £85m – because they may sign his best friend Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle instead.

Times journalist Martin Hardy has made the big claim, highlighting Pep Guardiola’s public admiration of Guimaraes.

He has also revealed that Man City are happy to pay £15m more to activate Guimaraes’ Newcastle release clause because he can play in two distinct positions.

“The clause for Paqueta to leave West Ham this summer is £85million, whereas it will take £100million to trigger the departure of Guimarães from Newcastle before the end of June,” the report states.

“Despite this, what may give Guimarães the edge for Pep Guardiola is his ability to play as a defensive No 6 but with the skill and close control of a No 10.

“He is an exceptional holding midfielder,” the City manager said of Guimarares a couple of months ago.

“He is aggressive, with the ball or without the ball, a complete holding midfielder.”

If Man City do not sign Paqueta from West Ham it’s difficult to see who else would stump up that kind of cash for the Brazilian.

He can be as frustrating as he is majestic at times.

Guardiola could sign best friend instead

West Ham fans would highlight his immense importance by pointing to their side’s dismal record when he doesn’t play for them.

On the flip side, the Hammers have not been doing too well with him in the team in 2024, winning just four of their 22 games in all competitions.

The feeling is that Paqueta would thrive in a team surrounded by world class players.

By the same token, Guardiola will be far less accepting than Moyes of his propensity to give the ball away cheaply in dangerous areas.

If Man City do opt for Paqueta’s best friend over him it could create a difficult situation for West Ham.

A potentially crestfallen player who has missed out on his chance at a big move and a smaller cash reserve with which to strengthen the team.

Conversely if Paqueta gets his head around the fact and refocuses then West Ham could retain a player who, on his day, is among the best in the Premier League.

All eyes then on which of these two Brazilian BFF’s Man City choose.

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