Contract broken: ‘I have to admit I’m surprised’ Mick Brown adds scares into the hammers and iron heart – after West Ham makes Lucas Paqueta U-turn amid the Brazilian long term future Limbo” he could be a big problem of the season according to recent report.. here’s Browns point of views…
West Ham’s Summer U-Turn: Lucas Paquetá Set to Stay Amid Transfer Silence, Former Scout Reveals
London, 20 August 2025 – In a surprising twist to West Ham United’s transfer plans, the club has reportedly reversed its earlier openness to selling star midfielder Lucas Paquetá this summer. This pivotal change – driven less by strategic ambition than by the glaring absence of formal offers – comes amid renewed scrutiny from former club scout Mick Brown.
No Offers, No Selling
According to Brown – a well-respected figure in recruitment with past stints at Manchester United and Blackburn – West Ham have effectively ruled out parting ways with their Brazilian playmaker. Despite earlier indications that Paquetá might be a prime candidate to generate funds for reinvestment, his likely departure is now off the table. Brown told Football Insider, “no formal or informal talks have been held about the attacking midfielder and all parties are now content for him to stay.”
He acknowledged being surprised by this reversal, especially after statements earlier in the transfer window suggested Paquetá and fellow midfielder Mohammed Kudus could be sold for significant returns. The ultimate decision, Brown implied, now rests less on club strategy and more on the lack of serious suitors. “Karren Brady confirming he isn’t going anywhere is largely because there aren’t any clubs making moves to take him away at the moment,” he explained.
Brady’s Bold Assurance
This sentiment is echoed by West Ham’s vice-chair, Baroness Karren Brady, who publicly affirmed on talkSPORT that “both the player and the club are committed to his stay.” Brady emphasized that Paquetá is “happy to remain at the London Stadium,” adding that “he wants to stay and we definitely want him to stay. So the thing is, he will be staying.”
Cleared and Back on Track
Crucially, the U-turn follows Paquetá’s exoneration from serious spot-fixing allegations by an independent FA panel. Previously facing a potential lifetime ban over alleged deliberate bookings to manipulate betting outcomes, the Brazil international has now been cleared of those charges. West Ham manager Graham Potter described the verdict as a “huge weight lifted,” praising the player’s resilience and affirming there are “no plans to sell him.”
Transfer Market Reality Check
Earlier in the window, Mick Brown had hinted that West Ham were open to accepting offers in the region of £30 million—dramatically reduced from the near-£80 million they might have commanded before the FA case emerged. “Now he’s been cleared… I expect these clubs will now step up their interest … the plan at West Ham is to make money from his sale,” Brown had remarked.
Yet, as Brown now confirms, no such bids have materialized—leaving Paquetá’s status unchanged.
Managerial Support in the Midst of Speculation
Adding to the narrative, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Newcastle United had exhibited interest in Paquetá. In response, Potter convened “emergency talks” with the club’s board and the player himself, making clear his preference for Paquetá to remain at West Ham. “Graham Potter has made clear … he wants him to stay,” Romano stated, emphasizing the full trust the manager places in the midfielder.
Outlook: Rebuilding with Stability
As West Ham prepare for the coming Premier League season, the impending U-turn grants the team a measure of stability rarely seen amid transfer season turbulence. Paquetá, who has been with the club since 2022 and signed a deal running until 2027 (with an optional extra year), now appears set to resume his role as an influential figure in midfield.
Despite the exit of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for around £55 million, West Ham remain active in the market, bringing in players like El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mads Hermansen, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Callum Wilson. However, Brady’s comments reveal a broader challenge: financial constraints and Premier League regulations mean the club must carefully balance incomings and outs. She admitted “more pace in midfield” remains a priority ahead of the window’s close.
Implications for All Stakeholders
For Paquetá, the resolution offers a reset. His confidence and form—knocked by the accusations—can now be fully restored with clear focus and steady support. His manager, club hierarchy, and fans now align around a scenario where he remains central to West Ham’s ambitions.
For the club, the U-turn removes the uncertainty over one of its most high-profile assets, avoiding destabilizing exit distractions and retaining creative depth.
And for speculation-heavy transfer news cycles, it illustrates how market indifference can influence strategy as much as boardroom decisions.
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Summary Timeline
July 2025: PA cleared of spot-fix allegations; West Ham open to offers (~£30m)
Mid-August 2025: No bids arrive. Brown reveals U-turn; Brady confirms Paquetá is staying
Recent: Potter conducts talks following Newcastle link, underscoring his desire to keep Paquetá
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