Manchester City, under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, has consistently sought to strengthen their squad, particularly in areas of the pitch that enhance their overall tactical flexibility and technical prowess. Over the past few years, Manchester City has been linked with a number of exciting talents across Europe, with a few names popping up repeatedly in transfer gossip columns. One such name is that of Lucas Paquetá, the Brazilian midfielder currently plying his trade at West Ham United. While the link between Paquetá and Manchester City has existed for some time, recent developments have raised questions about whether the potential move to the Etihad Stadium will ever come to fruition, particularly in light of a scandal that has marred Paquetá’s career.
For the past two summers, Paquetá has been the subject of frequent speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City. His profile, characterized by his creative vision, technical ability, and versatility in midfield, made him an appealing option for Guardiola’s highly demanding tactical setup. At his best, Paquetá would undoubtedly have added depth and dynamism to City’s already star-studded midfield, but as circumstances have evolved, it appears that the window of opportunity for this transfer might have closed.
This article aims to explore the shifting narrative surrounding Lucas Paquetá’s potential move to Manchester City, analyzing the factors that have affected the transfer discussions, including his off-field controversies, his playing style, and how Manchester City’s needs have evolved over time.
Lucas Paquetá, who made his mark at Flamengo in Brazil before earning a high-profile move to European football with AC Milan, quickly gained recognition for his exceptional ability to operate in the middle of the park. His performances at Milan earned him a transfer to West Ham United, where he continued to develop into one of the Premier League’s most promising midfielders. Known for his flair, dribbling ability, and creative passing, Paquetá’s skill set immediately drew the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester City.
At West Ham, Paquetá demonstrated his quality in multiple roles across the midfield. Whether operating as a deep-lying playmaker, a number ten, or even a box-to-box midfielder, his versatility made him an appealing candidate for top clubs. City’s interest in Paquetá was not difficult to understand; his technical attributes seemed to fit the profile of a player who could seamlessly integrate into Guardiola’s possession-heavy system.
Moreover, Paquetá’s ability to dictate tempo, link play, and create chances would have provided City with additional depth in a midfield that already featured world-class talents like Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Ilkay Gündogan. However, as City continued to pursue different avenues in the transfer market, the prospect of signing Paquetá was suddenly cast into doubt due to an unexpected and unfortunate controversy involving the Brazilian international.
In May 2024, Paquetá’s career took a dramatic turn when reports emerged that he had been charged by the Football Association (FA) with four counts of spot-fixing in Premier League matches. The betting investigation, which surrounded allegations of Paquetá’s involvement in placing wagers on football matches—specifically regarding the outcome of games in which he participated—cast a dark cloud over his future in English football. The news of the charges quickly made headlines, and it was widely speculated that this scandal would end any chance of Paquetá securing a high-profile transfer.
In light of the charges, it seemed unlikely that Manchester City would move forward with any formal interest in signing the midfielder. Paquetá’s reputation, which had been steadily growing as one of the most promising young talents in European football, was now overshadowed by these allegations. The idea of bringing a player embroiled in such controversy into the dressing room of one of the world’s most successful football clubs was a difficult sell, especially given the club’s emphasis on maintaining high standards both on and off the pitch.
As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that Paquetá’s immediate future would hinge on the outcome of the legal proceedings. The delay in reaching a verdict only added to the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s future at West Ham and his potential for a move to another club. Manchester City, for their part, appeared to have distanced themselves from Paquetá, focusing their efforts elsewhere in the transfer market as they looked to address other areas of the squad.
Fast forward to April 2025, and it seems that the story surrounding Paquetá’s potential move to Manchester City is far from over. While the legal proceedings regarding the betting allegations are still ongoing, new reports have emerged suggesting that Manchester City has not entirely ruled out the possibility of signing the Brazilian midfielder. According to Graeme Bailey’s recent report for TBR Football, Manchester City is still keeping tabs on the situation and is closely monitoring the outcome of Paquetá’s legal case. The expectation is that the hearing into Paquetá’s betting case is set to reach a conclusion soon, potentially within the next week, and a final verdict could also be announced during that time.
If Paquetá is cleared of the charges and the investigation concludes without further repercussions, it is reported that Manchester City could resume their interest in the midfielder. However, even if the legal issues are resolved in Paquetá’s favor, the question remains: is Paquetá still the right player for Manchester City
When looking back at the situation a year ago, it seemed like Paquetá was a natural fit for Manchester City’s midfield. At the time, City were facing the prospect of losing one or two key midfielders, and Paquetá could have served as a suitable replacement or an additional option in the squad. His ability to operate as an attacking midfielder or as a deeper playmaker would have provided Guardiola with tactical flexibility and enhanced City’s creative options in the final third.
However, the landscape has changed significantly in the past twelve months. In January 2025, Manchester City completed the signing of Nico, a versatile midfielder with the potential to play both in a holding role and further up the pitch. Nico’s arrival has already made an impact, as he has been deployed in the Rodri role, providing stability and control in City’s midfield. But there are indications that Nico is also earmarked to play further forward, possibly as a number eight. This has raised questions about how Paquetá, whose skill set overlaps with Nico’s, would fit into City’s midfield.
Paquetá’s ability to play as a number ten could have provided City with an alternative to players like Kevin De Bruyne or Jack Grealish in attacking midfield. However, the emergence of younger talents like Florian Wirtz, who has impressed with his creativity and vision at Bayer Leverkusen, suggests that there are other, perhaps more suitable, options for that position. Additionally, Villarreal’s Alex Baena, another player who has been linked with a move to City, could also be a better fit for the role that Paquetá was initially considered for.
With the signing of Nico and the ongoing pursuit of other creative midfielders, it is becoming clear that Paquetá may not represent the best option for Manchester City at this point in time. While he is undoubtedly a talented player who could add value to many top clubs, the tactical needs of City have evolved, and they may not require another midfielder with the same skill set as Paquetá.
While Manchester City’s immediate interest in Lucas Paquetá may have waned, the Brazilian midfielder’s future remains uncertain. If Paquetá is cleared of the charges against him, he will likely have several suitors, both within the Premier League and across Europe. His technical ability, versatility, and experience in one of the world’s most competitive leagues make him an attractive option for a number of clubs looking to bolster their midfield options.
West Ham, too, will be keeping a close eye on the situation, as Paquetá’s future at the club will depend on the outcome of the legal case. If he is cleared and retains his place in the West Ham lineup, the club may still try to cash in on his talents if a lucrative offer comes in. However, if the allegations lead to a suspension or damage Paquetá’s reputation, his options may be limited, and he may need to rebuild his career at a lower-profile club
The prospect of Lucas Paquetá joining Manchester City has been a subject of much debate and speculation over the past two years. While the Brazilian midfielder’s talents are beyond question, the complications surrounding his involvement in a betting investigation have thrown his potential move to the Etihad into doubt.
As it stands, Manchester City’s needs have shifted, with the club already addressing certain areas of the squad and focusing on securing alternative targets who may better fit Guardiola’s tactical requirements. While it is possible that City may revisit their interest in Paquetá if he is cleared of the charges, it seems that the ship may have sailed on this particular transfer.
For Paquetá, the next few months will be crucial in determining his future in football. Whether he remains at West Ham or moves to a new club, his future will be shaped by both his legal outcome and the evolving needs of the teams that may come calling for his services. For Manchester City, the pursuit of new midfield options continues, and Paquetá may no longer be the player they need to take their squad to the next level.
