Brazilian superstar's return date revealed ahead of the new season

West Ham's star playmaker Lucas Paqueta's return date has been revealed. Since being charged by the FA in the previous 23/24 season, there have been rumours that Paqueta may face sanctions this season.

Already this has had many consequences with Paqueta's dream Manchester City move stalled resulting in West Ham missing out on £85 million transfer fee for the Brazilian which would have marked a significant profit.

On top of that, in the Copa America 2024, Lucas Paqueta scored one out of two penalties for Brazil in the group stage as they were eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals. That made Paqueta emotional as he penned a message expressing his feelings.

Brazilian superstar's return date revealed ahead of the new season

Now, on a two week break due to international duty, Paqueta is set to join West Ham's preseason on 22 July. However, if he is found guilty by the FA, then the Hammers' £51 million star faces sanctions from football.

Recently, rumours of his former club, Flamengo wanting to re-sign him for £15 million were also doing the rounds. But now The Times' Martyn Ziegler has provided a fresh update on the matter.

The journalist has claimed that Paqueta will be available for West Ham for all of the 2024/25 season because the panel will not give a decision until well into next year.

Speaking on Paqueta's situation, Ziegler said,

""Lucas Paqueta is set to be available to play for West Ham United for almost all of next season despite the spot-fixing charges hanging over him""

Martyn Ziegler

Ziegler further added,

""Sources with knowledge of the process have said that the outcome could be delayed until close to the end of the season, or potentially beyond"."

Martyn Ziegler

This comes as a short-term relief for West Ham who can count on their star player to push for a top-four spot and both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season. But for the long run, the uncertainty remains on the future of Lucas Paqueta. If the player is proven innocent, Paqueta can develop into a bigger Premier League superstar at West Ham which could fetch an astronomical transfer fee for the Hammers.