West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has revealed that he was poised to join Man City in the summer of 2023 before an FA investigation into spotfixing scuppered the move.
The Brazilian international was set to make the £85m switch, and speaking about how close he got to signing on the dotted line, Paqueta said:
“Everyone knows that I really had a transfer to City. Probably, I would sign the week I received the letter (from the FA). Speaking professionally, I lost that, this transfer, taking a leap in my career. Psychologically, I think that’s where I was most affected, by the fear of this indecision, the uncertainty of my future, despite knowing who I am, what I do, what I did.”
Some supporters on X have been left to wonder what might have been if Paqueta had signed for City, while others are contemplating whether the club could still revive their interest:
We missed a gem
— QUEEN OF MANCHESTER 🩵 (@_queencity) November 14, 2025
Bernardo Silva replacement?
— 🅅🄸🄲🅃🄾🅁👑 (@dfw_vic) November 14, 2025
If we had signed him😮💨
— Louis Gyau (@LouisGyau25) November 14, 2025
He should be signed
— HECTOR•KE (@Funovq) November 14, 2025
Feel so bad for him
— LifeOf Kelly (@LifeOfKelly3) November 14, 2025
I still want him 😊
— Samuel (@OfficialslimS) November 14, 2025
The ship has probably sailed on Paqueta’s move
The midfielder turned 28 at the start of this season, so he is not exactly a young player anymore.
Paqueta also confirmed that he has tried on two separate occasions to return to his former club, Flamengo, so if he does leave West Ham, a move back to Brazil is seen as the most likely outcome.
Man City could sign him pretty cheaply next summer
Paqueta is expected to be available for a much lower fee at the end of this season due to his contract situation. He will have just a year remaining on his current deal (albeit with an option for another 12 months).
The fact that he could be on the market for a reasonable price may tempt City and other teams into making an offer for him. Rivals Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been credited with an interest in recent months.
Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
