West Ham Make Drastic Lucas Paqueta U-Turn as Sullivan’s Updated Stance Revealed

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has faced significant challenges recently.

The 27-year-old Brazilian star has been hit with four separate charges related to alleged betting breaches and reportedly faces a potential lifetime ban if found guilty.

If that happens, his time at the London Stadium could come to a sudden and premature end.

On his day, Paquetá is integral to West Ham’s style of play.

However, this season has seen him struggle to perform at his usual high standards, raising questions about his future with the club.

In a surprising turn of events, West Ham appear to have changed their stance on Paquetá.

Despite his inconsistent form, the club’s board has now reportedly declared the midfielder not for sale, according to The Athletic.

This marks a significant shift, as reports just days earlier suggested that the Hammers were willing to offload him for as little as £25 million in the January transfer window.

The timing of this decision follows Paquetá’s outstanding performance against Newcastle on Monday night, which provided a glimpse of his immense talent.

West Ham’s faith in the player is a bold move, especially given the ongoing charges.

If he’s found guilty, his market value will plummet to zero. However, should he be cleared, the club’s decision could be seen as a masterstroke.

West Ham’s 2024/25 ambitions heavily depend on Paquetá regaining his best form.

While this season has been challenging for the Brazilian, the glimpses of brilliance he has shown underline his importance to the team.

For now, much hangs in the balance. The hope is that Paquetá is found not guilty and can fully focus on helping West Ham succeed.

When at his best, he elevates the entire team, and his presence on the field is vital for the club’s aspirations moving forward.