Redaction Simon Brett with David Tully
Published on 2024-05-24 07:00:27
Lucas Paqueta could face a significant ban after being charged by the FA for betting offences in a move which could have major implications on Manchester City’s summer.
Paqueta has been a long-term target for City but the Premier League champions were waiting until the FA had finished investigating the West Ham star, having looked into potential breaches last summer.
The accusations against Paqueta had seemed to have gone quiet but on Thursday he was charged for spot fixing by the Football Association and could face a lengthy ban.
City were reportedly considering triggering the £85m release clause in Paqueta’s contract but fans on X now believe that the Premier League champions will move on to alternatives:
Ngl I wanted him in city💔
— MCFC_K (@RodriExcite) May 23, 2024
Musiala should be the top target rn
— MCFC_Dawg (@MCFC_Sammyy) May 23, 2024
It’s over, bring me musiala and bruno guimaraes then
— x (@ayarputar) May 23, 2024
So city won’t be going for him I’m guessing
— Kyle Alves (@KyleAlves7) May 23, 2024
Bring us musiala then
— bahadur (@bahadur18856744) May 23, 2024
City will now pull out
— Daniel Hunter (@Munterrocko) May 23, 2024
well then thats paqueta gone for us
— Insane (@Insane_t10) May 23, 2024
Bring us Eze, Txixi!
— Rory (@RoryJg) May 23, 2024
Who could City sign instead of Paqueta?
RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo has been heavily linked with a switch to Pep Guardiola’s side in recent months. However, the Spanish international’s €60m (£51m) release clause is set to expire at the end of June so they won’t have a lot of time to make their move.
Jamal Musiala is another attacking midfielder that the Ciytzens are big fans of but it has been suggested that Bayern Munich could demand as much as £120m for the 21-year-old.
Who else will the club target this summer?
Ironically, one of Paqueta’s close friends and Brazilian international teammate Bruno Guimaraes is also on City’s radar.
Newcastle are keen on keeping hold of the player but there is a buyout clause which allows him to leave St James’ Park if a team offers £100m by June 30th.
