Home / Sports / West Ham Midfielder Paqueta Weighs Summer Exit After Allegations Cleared
West Ham Midfielder Paqueta Weighs Summer Exit After Allegations Cleared
16 Aug
Summary
- Paqueta considering leaving West Ham this summer
- Allegations against him recently cleared, opening exit possibility
- West Ham interested in signing Leicester's rising star El Khannouss
As of August 16th, 2025, West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta is considering leaving the East London club this summer. The 27-year-old Brazilian, who made 36 appearances for the Hammers last season, is seeking a new challenge away from the London Stadium after three years with the club.
West Ham manager Graham Potter has acknowledged that Paqueta is an "important person in the dressing room," but his future at the club remains uncertain. This development comes after Paqueta recently received vindication for the spot-fixing charges that had previously been leveled against him, clearing the way for West Ham to potentially sell the player.
Prior to the allegations, Manchester City had shown interest in Paqueta's services, but the move was scuppered. Now, with the charges cleared, West Ham are open to offloading the midfielder, who may need to find a new stomping ground.
In the meantime, West Ham are actively in the market for midfield additions, with the club showing interest in Harvey Elliott and submitting a bid for Mateus Fernandes. The Hammers are also considering a move for Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss, a 21-year-old Belgian-born Moroccan international who is on the cusp of a breakout season. El Khannouss, who scored twice and created eight big chances in the Premier League last term, has started the new Championship campaign in impressive form, creating three big chances in his first game.
If Paqueta does depart the London Stadium this summer, West Ham will need to find a suitable replacement, and El Khannouss could be the ideal candidate to fill the void left by the Brazilian's potential exit.
