Lucas Paqueta Reflects on Emotional Turmoil After Failed Transfer to Man City
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has shared insights into the emotional challenges he faced following the collapse of his £85 million transfer to Manchester City.
Transfer Saga
In 2023, the talented 28-year-old was on the brink of joining Pep Guardiola’s team after a stellar debut season with West Ham, with the transfer fee set at £85 million.
But his aspirations were abruptly dashed when he was implicated in a spot-fixing allegation by the FA.
The governing body accused Paqueta of violating gambling rules; however, he was cleared of these charges in August of this year.
Since then, he has candidly discussed the lost opportunity to be part of one of the Premier League’s most esteemed clubs.
Everyone knows that I was close to a transfer to City,
Paqueta stated in an interview with Globo Esporte.
I likely would have signed just a week after receiving the notice regarding the allegations.
Emotional Impact
Paqueta elaborated on the consequences of this situation:
From a professional viewpoint, I feel I missed out on that transfer, a significant advancement in my career. Psychologically, that’s where I felt the most impact, grappling with anxiety and uncertainty about my future, even while I knew my worth and contributions.
He continued,
The way the federation managed the inquiries generated a lot of fear among us. It took a toll on me mentally; I sought psychological support to navigate those challenges.
Despite the difficulties, Paqueta expressed gratitude for his growth during this period:
Understanding that everything happened for a reason has been enlightening; sharing my experiences and faith has been a testament to resilience for me. That’s what I’ve sustained through this ordeal.
He concluded,
I feel relieved now. The fear that loomed for two years has dissipated. I was able to clear my name, win this case, and return to doing what I love without hindrance.