Manchester City suffer major summer transfer blow as midfield target hit with FA charge | OneFootball

Manchester City summer transfer target Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the Football Association.

The 26-year-old was expected to move from West Ham to Manchester City last August in a £70 million deal, however a bombshell FA and FIFA investigation related to a number of bets scuppered any potential move to the Etihad Stadium.

Paqueta, who has denied any wrongdoing, hoped to reignite a move to east Manchester from the London Stadium this summer, with Pep Guardiola expected to bolster his midfield during the upcoming transfer window.

The Brazilian international has an £85 million release clause which becomes active this summer, with the midfielder directly involved in 10 goals in 31 Premier League appearances this season for the Hammers.

Etihad officials reportedly ‘remained keen’ on signing the player on similar terms to last season’s agreement, with personal terms having already been agreed between Manchester City and the midfielder’s agents.

However a decision to charge the player on Thursday 23rd May, has likely ended any transfer transfer pursuit by the Sky Blues this summer, with the transfer window due to open next month.

An FA statement said: “West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3. “The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.  “It’s alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting. “Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.  “The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline.  “The FA will be making no further comment until the conclusion of this case.”