Brazilian giants Flamengo provided a staggering €40m (about £34.7m) for West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta, igniting a high-stakes standoff within the January switch window.
In keeping with Sky Sports activities journalist Florian Plettenberga verbal settlement between the 28-year-old and his boyhood membership relating to private phrases has already been “accomplished and confirmed”, with the ultimate resolution now solely within the arms of the Hammers’ board.
Flamengo are aiming to succeed in a cope with “instant impact”, however West Ham stay resolute.
The London membership are at present embroiled in a tricky relegation battle within the Premier League beneath supervisor Nuno Espirito Santo and are determined to maintain maintain of their star participant till at the least the tip of the season.
West Ham reportedly rejected Flamengo’s opening strategy regardless of being provided a hefty switch charge.
The membership’s high brass consider Lucas Paqueta is important to their hopes of survival, particularly after the latest signing of Tati Castellanos to strengthen the assault.
Plettenberg reported that the Hammers have to this point “blocked all gives” however that Flamengo are undaunted and expects them to return again with an improved supply of greater than 40 million euros.
The dilemma for West Ham’s board is whether or not to signal a participant whose coronary heart is clearly elsewhere, or threat leaving an unlucky asset at a vital stage of the season.
Lucas Paqueta insists on leaving West Ham
The state of affairs was deteriorating behind the scenes, with outstanding X officers claiming that Paqueta was on an “unofficial strike” to drive a switch.
The Brazil worldwide was absent from West Ham’s latest FA Cup win in opposition to QPR and is reported to have requested to not be chosen.
The official purpose was a minor damage, however a supply near the participant mentioned he was “disillusioned” with life in England.
Paqueta is alleged to be pushing for the transfer not just for footballing causes, but additionally to return to a supportive atmosphere in Brazil after a troublesome interval within the Premier League.
Paqueta’s time at West Ham
Paqueta’s tenure on the London Stadium has been a rollercoaster trip. He initially arrived on a document contract and have become a fan favourite for his expertise and work ethic, however his profession was almost derailed by a prolonged FA investigation into allegations of playing offences.
After a two-year ordeal, he was lastly discovered not responsible in July 2025, however the psychological pressure on him was clear.
Regardless of a quick resurgence with a objective in opposition to Nottingham Forest during which he famously faked throwing away his telephone, his relationship with the English recreation stays strained.
With the World Cup simply across the nook, Paqueta is satisfied {that a} return to the Maracanã is the one approach to discover peace and regain his type.
