Lucas Paqueta will be available for West Ham for most of next season despite match-fixing allegations
West Ham could reportedly have Lucas Paqueta available for almost the entire 2024/25 season despite his betting charges.
Paqueta was accused for breaching Football Association betting rules in May, but the player denies any wrongdoing.
The Brazilian It is understood that he has been charged with being deliberately reserved during four Premier League games.
Despite this, The times They have reported that Paqueta can continue playing for West Ham until the disciplinary process is concluded.
The outlet's sources have also said that the outcome could be delayed until “near the end” of the new season or even beyond.
West Ham are said to be confident that the 26-year-old will be able to play for the club next season.
If Paqueta is found guilty of match-fixing, he could receive a lengthy ban, ranging from six months to life.
The attacking midfielder has proven to be key for the Hammers since signing from Lyon in 2022 for an initial £36.5m.
He has made 84 appearances in all competitions since then, scoring 13 goals and assisting 14 others.
Paqueta contributed five goals en route to West Ham's Europa Conference League victory in the 2022/23 campaign.
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Manchester City expressed interest in signing him last summer, with former manager David Moyes revealing to talkSPORT that they had made an offer.
Paqueta is also known to have been interested in joining the Premier League champions, but the move failed to materialise.
With the disciplinary process surrounding his betting charges not expected to be finalised any time soon, he is expected to return to the pitch for the new season.
Julen Lopetegui will take charge of the team after signing a two-year contract with West Ham following the departure of Moyes.
The Hammers have been active in The transfer marketfirst signing of Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.
Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was their second arrival from Sheffield United before signing centre-back Max Kilman from Wolves for £40m.
talkSPORT understands that West Ham are Leading the race for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson and they are in advanced talks to sign right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.
