Former West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá has revealed that the betting investigation against him prevented his dream move to Manchester City in 2023.
The Brazilian, who joined Flamengo for a reported €42million (£36million) in January, was close to completing a transfer worth approximately £80million before the Football Association launched its investigation.
Paquetá has now confirmed that City, rather than Real Madrid or Barcelona, was his preferred destination.
Paquetá explains failed Manchester City move
Speaking during a TikTok livestream, in comments reported by Brazilian outlet O Matogrossense, Paquetá explained how the investigation disrupted his career plans.
"I didn't end up going to City because of the investigation I went through, you see?" he said, according to Brazilian outlet Omatogrossense.
Manchester City were pursuing the midfielder in August 2023, but their interest ended when the investigation became public.
Asked whether he had instead dreamed of joining Real Madrid or Barcelona, Paquetá made his preference clear.
"No, it was City—it was City. I've always really liked City," he explained.
The midfielder said that by the time the proceedings concluded, his career had moved in a different direction.
FA investigation ended without spot-fixing conviction
Paquetá faced four allegations of deliberately seeking yellow cards during Premier League matches between November 2022 and August 2023 to influence betting markets.
He denied the allegations, and an independent regulatory commission found all four charges not proven in July 2025.
However, two separate charges relating to failures to cooperate with the investigation were upheld.
The FA subsequently issued Paquetá with a reprimand and warning in October 2025.
Flamengo return followed West Ham departure
Paquetá returned to boyhood club Flamengo in January 2026 after West Ham reluctantly accepted his request to leave.
The transfer, reportedly worth €42million, ended his three-and-a-half-year spell in London.
His latest comments reveal how close he came to joining Pep Guardiola's side before the investigation changed his plans.
Key Points
- Paquetá says the FA investigation prevented his £80m City move.
- Manchester City was his preferred destination.
- Four spot-fixing charges were found not proven.
- Two cooperation-related breaches resulted in a reprimand and warning.
What's Next?
Paquetá remains at Flamengo, with no confirmed indication that Manchester City intend to revive their interest.
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