Man City cancels the $108 million deal to buy Paqueta

According to Sports Mail, the two sides have finalized the transfer price of Paqueta at $108 million. But the deal collapsed after the English Football Association (FA) investigated the Brazilian midfielder, about betting behavior related to West Ham matches.

Previously, Man City offered a price of $ 89 million but was rejected. The defending British team then rushed to raise the offer price, due to the need for a replacement Kevin De Bruyne to be injured and had to take a long-term break. But Man City immediately withdrew from negotiations with West Ham, after Paqueta was accused by the FA.

West Ham just appealed to have Paqueta's questioning process delayed and approved by the FA. But the deal still fell through, because this summer's transfer market will close at the end of September 1, while the time to prove Paqueta's innocence is too long.

The investigation focused on bets placed by Paqueta on bookmakers in his native Brazil. They are said to be in opposition to the results of West Ham's matches. Also because of this investigation, Brazil removed Paqueta from the list of two World Cup qualifying matches in early September.

During the investigation, Paqueta continued to play for West Ham. Last weekend, he shone and contributed a goal to David Moyes's 3-1 victory over Chelsea. "He's very tough and strong," Moyes said of his beloved pupil. "Paqueta showed bravery on the pitch, never evading the ball. 65,000 people stood up and applauded for what he showed."

Paqueta broke West Ham's transfer record when he was bought from Lyon in the summer of 2022, for $ 65 million. In the first season, the 25-year-old midfielder played an important role, helping the team win the Conference League. In the final victory over Fiorentina 2-1, it was Paqueta who assisted Jarod Bowen to score the decisive goal.