Man City Considering Bargain £30m Move to Sign Premier League Star | OneFootball

Paqueta Clearance Reignites Man City Transfer Possibility

Lucas Paqueta’s long and uncertain wait for clarity is over, and now, his future could finally take a decisive turn. Cleared of all betting and spot-fixing charges, the Brazilian midfielder is free to pursue the next chapter of his career, and Manchester City may once again be his destination.

As reported by TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, “West Ham are delighted but not surprised that Lucas Paqueta has been cleared. Sources have confirmed to me they were informed of the decision on Friday evening, as is the practice ahead of an official confirmation.”

For West Ham, this is both a relief and a moment of decision. Paqueta, who joined from Lyon for a club-record £51 million in 2022, has delivered consistently with 18 goals and 14 assists across 120 games. But his future now lies elsewhere, and interest is mounting.

Photo IMAGO

City’s Long-Standing Admiration Resurfaces

Manchester City were close to signing Paqueta last summer, with personal terms agreed and an £80 million deal outlined. The transfer collapsed only due to the FA’s investigation into alleged gambling breaches. That cloud has now lifted, and according to TBR Football, “Manchester City remain huge admirers of the player and do not rule them out coming back in.”

With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure, Pep Guardiola faces the task of restructuring his midfield. Matheus Nunes, who arrived instead of Paqueta, has failed to establish himself centrally. Deployed mostly at right-back, his role has shifted away from the creative core City expected him to fill.

Paqueta, a versatile and technically gifted playmaker, would add guile and edge to a side already brimming with attacking talent. His ability to combine flair with work rate fits Guardiola’s demands perfectly.

Transfer Fee Slashed

The numbers also add intrigue. TBR Football report that “the £80m fee they previously agreed is likely to be more than halved if they do return.” The Daily Mail went further, suggesting West Ham are now open to a deal around £30 million.

That figure makes Paqueta one of the most attractive options on the market. At 27, with experience in the Premier League, a sharp footballing brain and a motivation to impress ahead of the 2026 World Cup, he represents a low-risk, high-upside investment.

Journalist Graeme Bailey notes, “Paqueta himself has been working hard in pre-season, but now, we again visit the question of where he is going to play as he is now focused on being a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad.”

Photo: IMAGO

Options on the Table

West Ham, for their part, are already preparing for life without him. With Mohammed Kudus sold to Tottenham, the creative engine of David Moyes’ midfield has been gutted. If Paqueta leaves too, replacements must arrive swiftly. James McAtee from City could be one solution.

Saudi Pro League clubs are also monitoring Paqueta’s situation, though the expectation remains, according to TBR Football, “that Paqueta will now move on.”

City will not be alone in this chase, but with the Brazilian now cleared and his asking price significantly reduced, the logic of revisiting a previously agreed deal becomes clear.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For City fans, the idea of bringing Lucas Paqueta in this summer feels like a no-brainer. With De Bruyne’s departure, there is a clear void in the No 10 role. Phil Foden is the obvious in-house solution, but the addition of someone like Paqueta would not just add depth, it would add competition, creativity and intelligence.

Guardiola wanted him last summer, and that alone should carry weight. The fact that the original £80 million deal could now be resurrected at around £30 million makes it even more appealing. It feels like the kind of shrewd transfer that City’s recruitment team rarely miss on.

Some fans will rightly point out the emergence of players like Omar Marmoush and the presence of McAtee, but this team competes on four fronts every season. The need for rotation and reliability cannot be understated.

Paqueta also brings edge. He plays with flair but is never afraid to dig in. That balance, particularly in Guardiola’s setup, could be vital next season. If City act swiftly, they may just secure the bargain of the summer.