Lucas Paquetá cleared of betting charges and back on Manchester City’s radar
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been officially cleared by the English Football Association following a months-long investigation into alleged involvement in a betting scheme. With the case now closed and no evidence found, the 26-year-old is free to return to the European transfer spotlight potentially as Pep Guardiola’s solution for Manchester City’s midfield.
Prior to the charges, Paquetá had been a top target for City, with Guardiola personally identifying the West Ham United star as a player capable of reinforcing the team’s midfield dynamics. Talks were suspended when the investigation was launched in 2023, but with the legal hurdles removed, City could reignite their interest this summer.
A Tactical Fit for Guardiola’s System
Paquetá’s attributes align closely with Guardiola’s tactical philosophy. Known for his positional play, vertical passing, and ability to carry the ball through midfield, the Brazilian could complement Rodri, who missed parts of last season through injury, exposing City’s lack of depth in central areas.
City struggled to maintain consistency in midfield during Rodri’s absence, often relying on improvised solutions. The addition of Paquetá alongside Rodri could restore balance and offer Guardiola greater tactical flexibility.
A Versatile, High-Work-Rate Midfielder
A Flamengo youth product, Paquetá has matured into a well-rounded midfielder in Europe, known for his technical quality, defensive work rate, and positional intelligence. Comfortable as a central or attacking midfielder, he thrives in systems that demand high pressing and structured transitions making him a natural fit for the Premier League champions.
Beyond his tactical strengths, Paquetá also brings physicality and creativity, averaging 2.3 key passes and 1.9 tackles per match in his last full season with West Ham.
Cleared of Betting Allegations
The investigation centered around suspicious yellow cards received by Paquetá in Premier League matches, allegedly linked to irregular betting patterns. However, the FA concluded the probe due to a lack of sufficient evidence, fully clearing the Brazilian of any wrongdoing.
With his name cleared, Paquetá’s market value and reputation are expected to recover quickly, positioning him as a major player in the current transfer window.
Transfer Possibilities This Summer
West Ham may now face pressure to consider offers, especially with Manchester City monitoring midfield reinforcements. Paquetá is reportedly open to a move to a Champions League contender and would likely command a transfer fee in excess of €60–70 million, depending on market interest.
Guardiola’s City, still looking to fine-tune their squad after another demanding campaign, could move swiftly now that legal uncertainty has been removed.
