Manchester City reportedly aren’t in talks with West Ham over a January move for midfielder Lucas Paqueta. A report by Rafael Reis of UOL indicated that the European champions were keen to sign the Brazilian international in January. City had been interested in Paqueta during the summer. But the move collapsed due to an ongoing betting investigation into the West Ham midfielder.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports in his exclusive Daily Briefing column that there are no talks ongoing between Manchester City and West Ham over Paqueta. He adds that City do admire the Brazilian and rate him as a great player. Romano further reports that he expects Manchester City to be quiet in the January transfer window.
As Romano’s report indicates any potential City move for Paqueta may have to wait until the summer. The transfer expert has previously reported that Paqueta has a release clause valued at £85 million which becomes active on June 2024. It would also depend on the outcome of the betting investigation into Paqueta.
The treble winners are traditionally not an active player in the January transfer window. With transfer fees being higher than normal and clubs reluctant to sell their prized assets the treble winners tend to wait until the summer to enter the transfer market and do the bulk of their business.
With Kevin De Bruyne due back from injury in the new year the signing of Lucas Paqueta doesn’t appear to be a priority. Once De Bruyne returns the champions will have a plethora of options in midfield. Any potential move for Paqueta appears one that would more likely happen in the summer window if it where to happen.
