Lucas Paqueta family gives Newcastle and City a big update about his future after transfer saga

Lucas Paquetá’s Future Hangs in the Balance as Family Drop Telling Hints Amid Newcastle and Manchester City Interest

The summer transfer window continues to deliver its share of drama, with West Ham’s Brazilian maestro Lucas Paquetá at the center of renewed speculation.

After being cleared of spot-fixing allegations that derailed an £80 million move to Manchester City two years ago, the 26-year-old finds himself back on the radar of elite Premier League clubs.

Newcastle United and Manchester City are both monitoring the situation closely, but recent developments involving Paquetá’s family have added an intriguing layer to this unfolding saga.

West Ham’s financial constraints have left them vulnerable to offers for their prized asset. The club’s need to balance the books saw them reluctantly sell Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for £54.5 million, and insiders suggest Paquetá could follow if a suitable bid arrives.

With a price tag hovering between £60-70 million, the Hammers appear open to negotiations, particularly as their midfield requires significant reinforcement. Paquetá’s subdued performance in West Ham’s recent friendly against Lille only fueled speculation that his mind may already be elsewhere.

Manchester City’s interest never truly faded despite the collapsed move in 2023. Pep Guardiola reportedly assured Paquetá that he would wait for the investigation to conclude, and now that the Brazilian has been exonerated, the champions are ready to reignite their pursuit.

Reports indicate City may include Jack Grealish in a player-plus-cash deal to sweeten the offer, a move that could appeal to West Ham as they look to rebuild their squad.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have re-entered the race as Eddie Howe seeks a statement signing to galvanize a fanbase growing restless after several high-profile transfer misses.

The Magpies hold a unique advantage in Bruno Guimarães, Paquetá’s close friend and international teammate, whose presence could prove decisive in any potential negotiations. With Champions League football also on the table, Newcastle’s project remains an attractive proposition.

However, the player’s personal circumstances may complicate matters. Paquetá’s wife, Duda Fournier, recently took to Instagram to share heartfelt moments of their children dressed in West Ham kits, proudly displaying the club’s crest before a match.

The family’s visible affection for the Hammers—Fournier even sported a retro Paolo Di Canio jersey—suggests they have grown deeply attached to life in East London.

While these gestures don’t guarantee Paquetá will stay, they underscore the emotional factors at play beyond pure footballing ambition.

For West Ham, the dilemma is clear. Retaining Paquetá would provide a much-needed creative spark in midfield, but selling him could fund a broader squad overhaul.

For the player, the choice pits professional aspirations against personal contentment. Manchester City offer the chance to compete for the highest honors under Guardiola, while Newcastle present an ambitious project with familiar faces. Yet, the bond his family has formed with West Ham adds an unexpected twist.

As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, all eyes remain on Paquetá. Will he seek a fresh challenge, or will the affection for his current club prove too strong to ignore?

One thing is certain: any move will require more than just meeting West Ham’s valuation—it will need to win over the hearts of those who matter most to him.