A USA football legend has lifted the lid on a private conversation with Mark Noble about Lucas Paqueta – and it’s come just as a fresh stance on the Brazilian’s West Ham future has been leaked by the board.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta is a deeply religious person.
So when the Brazilian magnifico pointed to the heavens after scoring for West Ham against Everton in the Premier League Summer Series in America last night, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
This time, though, it seemed to have extra significance and meaning behind it as Paqueta thanked God that his two-year spot-fixing hell is over.
The FA still haven’t officially released a statement on the matter.
But Paqueta’s legal team and West Ham were informed he is to be absolved of any guilt in the case, leaving him free to continue his career.
Speculation reignites West Ham will sell Paqueta
Where that will be has been the next source of big headlines surrounding the Brazilian magnifico.
When the allegations against Paqueta first emerged, he was in the process of being sold to Man City in an £80m deal.
So in reality it should be no real surprise speculation has been rife he could now depart West Ham.
Especially with the Hammers desperate to raise funds for new signings.
West Ham recently confirmed Saudi clubs are interested in Paqueta.
The 27-year-old seemed to suggest previously he wants to return to his beloved former club Flamengo too.
Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It was claimed last month that Man City were willing to wait for Paqueta to be cleared before reigniting a move.
There has been talk Paqueta could be sacrificed to help fund Potter’s rebuild.
A top source close to majority owner David Sullivan revealed the ball is in the court of the manager and player over what to do next.
Graham Potter sent a clear message over his thoughts on Paqueta’s West Ham future by declaring he is one of the most important players in the dressing room.
But what is the player thinking and would a sizeable offer prompt West Ham to sell?
Now we know.
USA legend shares what Noble told him about Paqueta
Because a USA legend has shared what Mark Noble told him about Paqueta as a new stance on his West Ham future is leaked.
The dark cloud hanging over Paqueta for the last two years had undoubtedly affected his performances.
So there are doubts whether the likes of Man City or other elite, Champions League level clubs would be in for Paqueta now.
It has long been reported that West Ham would look to sell Paqueta if he was not banned.
Their record £51m signing is on £150k-per-week and has two years left on his current deal – with the option of another year to 2028.
When the Man City bid was made in August 2023, Paqueta’s camp stated it was a “dream” move for the midfielder.
Photo by Michael Reaves – Premier League/Getty Images for Premier League
With speculation swirling over a possible exit, new insight from sporting director Noble and the Hammers board offers a glimpse into the reality of the Paqueta situation.
Noble is out in America with the Hammers for the Summer Series.
And he told former Everton, Man United and USA star Tim Howard that nobody should be doubting whether Paqueta still has what it takes to play for an elite level club.
“I was speaking to Mark Noble at length yesterday and we were talking about Paqueta,” Howard said on Sky Sports’ coverage of West Ham’s win over Everton.
“And he said to me ‘Tim you don’t understand, Paqueta could play in any team in world football – he’s that good’.”
While that may sound like West Ham are trying to convince clubs to come knocking for Paqueta, his future looks to be in east London unless something dramatic changes.
New stance on Paqueta’s West Ham future leaked
Because a close ally of majority owner Sullivan has revealed the club have put a huge price tag on his head, that Man City are no longer interested and Paqueta himself is open to staying to repay West Ham’s loyalty in him.
A top club source has told Sean Whetstone that ‘Paqueta could be staying a Hammer for now’ as there are few clubs that can meet his £60-£70m valuation.
The source states the ‘Man City ship has sailed’ and that there have been no enquiries since news broke that he will cleared of spot-fixing charges.
“Paqueta believes West Ham showed him loyalty by standing by him for the last two years and he would be happy to re-pay that loyalty by remaining a Hammer if the club’s valuation is not met,” Whetstone reveals.