"Pep Guardiola's side had just come off the back of their treble-winning season, but needed reinforcements in the middle of the pitch, with club captain Ilkay Gundogan leaving for Barcelona. City had been in the race to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, only for the England star to join Arsenal in a 100million move, with Mateo Kovacic eventually arriving at the Etihad in a 25million deal."
"Everyone knows that I really had a transfer to City, Paquesta told Brazilian TV station GE. I probably would have signed the week I received the letter (from the FA). Professionally speaking, I lost that, that transfer, a leap in my career. "Psychologically, I think that's where I was most affected, by the fear of this indecision, the uncertainty of my future, despite knowing who I am, what I do, what I've done. But, due to the circumstances of the investigations and the way the federation handled everything, it generated fear in"
Lucas Paqueta was on the verge of an £80m move to Manchester City in 2023, but a two-year FA investigation into allegations he deliberately received bookings halted the transfer and jeopardised his career. The probe created professional loss and significant psychological strain, with Paqueta saying he lost the transfer and experienced fear and uncertainty despite confidence in his abilities. Paqueta was cleared of the spot-fixing allegations in July and has since scored four goals this season, including one on his return to the Brazil national team. Manchester City pursued other midfield options, resulting in Mateo Kovacic's arrival.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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