West Ham star Lucas Paqueta may not have done his chances of finally joining Man City any good after posting a statement on social media.
West Ham were plotting their big rebuild in the summer around the fact they might have an additional £85m to play with from the sale of Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City.
The Hammers and Premier League champions had a deal in place to take Paqueta to the Etihad last summer for his £85m release clause.
Then came the bombshell of the sudden investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal betting over yellow cards – which he vehemently denies.
That put paid to the move.
David Moyes and vice-chair Karren Brady have both since confirmed West Ham were signing Cole Palmer from Man City for around £40m until the collapse of the Paqueta deal scuppered that plan.
Paqueta risks wrath of Man City with statement
Ahead of the summer, journalist Graeme Bailey told Hammers News that Man City were ‘more determined than ever’ to sign West Ham’s Brazilian midfielder.
Reports in the wider football media claimed the case against Paqueta was going to be dropped.
And many Hammers fans had actually come around to the idea of selling Paqueta given his woeful form in 2024.
There has been talk Pep Guardiola could still want Paqueta should he be cleared by a three-person panel in March.
Especially with Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne rumoured to be potentially leaving Man City next summer.
But West Ham star Paqueta has risked the wrath of Man City with 57-word statement on social media.
West Ham star makes for potentially awkward Man City situation
And it will certainly make things awkward if he does eventually rock up at the Etihad.
The Ballon d’Or is back in the Premier League after Man City star Rodri won the honour ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid decided to snub the awards this week after they were told Vini Jr and none of their other hopefuls were going to win.
Vinicius Junior is best friends with West Ham star Paqueta.
The former Flamengo teammates are childhood friends and are inseparable on Brazil duty and in the off-season.
When Man City ace Rodri was confirmed as the Ballon d’Or winner, Vinicius posted on X: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Rodri, the first Premier League-based winner since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008, showed the same class he does on the pitch when asked about Real Madrid refusing to attend.
“It is their decision,” the Man City man said.
“They have decided not to come and we have to accept that. I am focusing on my club. I will go and celebrate this award with them.”
‘Even if they say otherwise’
But Paqueta has hit out on Instagram, saying his best friend deserved the honour.
“Just so you know that I’m proud to say I’m your friend, that I admire you and root for you more than any victory of mine!” Paqueta said alongside a picture of the pair together in their Flamengo shirts.
“I admire his story and the person you became! You are the greatest! Even if they say otherwise!
“I love you and we are closer than ever! Forward ever Vini Jr.”
Paqueta’s West Ham teammate Tomas Soucek disagrees, though.
The big Czech midfielder took to his own Instagram yesterday to share his thoughts.
And Soucek declared the Man City star “100%” deserved the Ballon d’Or.
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