West Ham have already “agreed” mega transfer deal claims journalist but it’s a waiting game regardless for Man City
West Ham have already “agreed” mega transfer deal claims a journalist but it’s a waiting game regardless for Man City.
West Ham boss David Moyes this week admitted he is looking to make signings in the January transfer window.
But the Hammers hierarchy are one step ahead and have agreed to sell one of his star players in the summer.
That is according to Graeme Bailey.
Somewhat out of the blue, it emerged that Manchester City wanted West Ham star Lucas Paqueta towards the end of the summer window.
West Ham have already “agreed” mega transfer
When it was first reported, Paqueta – like most footballers it must be said – allegedly wanted the move. And a deal of around £80-85m was reportedly close to being agreed between the Hammers and Man City.
But when allegations over illegal betting emerged – which Paqueta vehemently denies – that move collapsed.
Paqueta has showed just why Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wanted him with his performances ever since.
At the time a West Ham insider said those claims were ‘wide of the mark’ pointing out that Man City would not revisit the deal until such a time that Paqueta is cleared of the accusations against him – a process which could take as long as 16 months.
Well West Ham have already “agreed” a mega transfer deal claims journalist Bailey but it’s a waiting game regardless for Man City.
“I am told he is not guilty,” Bailey said on HITC Football.
“He will be cleared, so he has basically been denied a move to Manchester City in the last two windows. If he was clear now, I think Man City would have gone in for him.
“I firmly believe that Man City will be back in for him in the summer. I will be very surprised if he’s not a Man City player next season.”
Whether West Ham have secretly – or unofficially – agreed a deal with Man City will become clear as and when a decision is made on the case against Paqueta.
A gentleman’s agreement may well be in place. Especially if the transfer really was close to being completed in the summer.
It may well have simply been put on ice until such a time as the investigation is concluded.
He has become a key player for West Ham. But Tim Steidten has already showed what he could do with £80m. So that will reassure Hammers fans.
The problem for Man City is there are no guarantees the case will be done and dusted by the summer. A
nd – if anything like the investigation into Granit Xhaka, it could stretch well into next season.
