Lucas Paqueta has completed his emotional return to Flamengo for a record £35.5m fee, with West Ham citing the mental strain from his two-year spot-fixing investigation as a key factor in his departure. According to Bbc.com.
Paqueta’s £35.5m Flamengo move breaks Brazilian transfer record after investigation ordeal
The £35.5m transfer represents a record fee paid by a Brazilian club, significantly below the initial £52m asking price after negotiations concluded on 28 January. Flamengo secured Paqueta on a contract until December 2030, with the midfielder citing personal and family reasons for his return to his homeland.
West Ham’s statement revealed the two-year wait for resolution of spot-fixing charges had caused Paqueta “significant mental strain.” Those close to the player say his mental health suffered during the investigation period, leading him to lose faith in English football authorities and yearn for a return home.
The Premier League club had preferred Paqueta remain on loan until season’s end to aid their relegation battle, sitting third from bottom and five points from safety. However, the 28-year-old felt he had outstayed his time in London, with his representatives securing the immediate permanent move to Rio de Janeiro.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo described Paqueta as “a special player, a special person” despite West Ham winning three successive matches without him for the first time since 2023. The Brazilian made 139 appearances for the Hammers since joining from Lyon in 2022, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists.
Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission last summer, with four charges found “not proven” after facing the prospect of a lifetime ban. The investigation had previously collapsed an £80m Manchester City bid in 2023, contributing to his downturn in form and desire to leave English football.
