West Ham United have a pivotal summer transfer window coming up. The Hammers must bounce back from a disappointing 2024/25 season, and transfers will be key.
West Ham have several positions to fill from back to front. A new goalkeeper is a must after the latest howler from Alphonse Areola. The midfield remains porous and lacks steel, and this team could use a lethal centre-forward.
Fresh wing options would also be welcome, as the team needs creativity. Speaking of creativity, West Ham must also sort out the Lucas Paqueta conundrum.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is being charged by the Football Association (FA) for spot-fixing, but the hearing has been put on hold, according to the Daily Mail.
The news adds fresh frustration for the West Ham midfielder. The case was initially expected to conclude within three weeks but is now paused indefinitely, leaving Paqueta in limbo.
The hearing began on March 17 to determine whether Paqueta deliberately earned yellow cards during West Ham games to influence the betting market.
The Brazilian international denies those charges, and the Hammers have stood by him. If found guilty, the 27-year-old could face a life ban from football.
Insiders close to the situation described it as mentally draining for Paqueta, with the extended delay only compounding the stress.
The case might take up to four weeks due to the volume of evidence, and there is no set date for its continuation, fuelling frustration for Paqueta and West Ham.
Despite the ongoing case, Paqueta will remain eligible to play for West Ham, including their final Premier League fixture away at Ipswich on May 25.
West Ham must prepare for the worst this summer – View
Even though Paqueta continues to protest his innocence and West Ham remain firmly behind him, the club must prepare for the worst possible outcome (a lifetime ban).
West Ham should have a playmaker ready to take over the mantle from Paqueta if push comes to shove. The club has been linked with Manchester City star James McAtee, which bodes well.
They should also expand their search to France, where Lyon star Rayan Cherki is reportedly available for £25 million.
The Hammers enjoyed tremendous success led by French maverick Dimitri Payet and could repeat the trick with the dazzling Lyon playmaker.