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West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and join Flamengo this month, with the Brazilian side ready to pay £26m for the 28-year-old who is willing to take a pay cut to secure the move back to his homeland.
Lucas Paqueta Seeks West Ham Exit as Flamengo Prepare £26m Bid for Brazilian Star
Flamengo are prepared to offer £26m (€30m) for Paqueta’s services, though West Ham remain reluctant to sell one of their key players during the January transfer window. The relegation-threatened Hammers currently sit 18th in the Premier League table, seven points from safety, making them hesitant to lose such an important squad member during their fight for survival.
Two Premier League clubs have also expressed interest in signing Paqueta this month, but the midfielder’s heart is set on returning to Brazil rather than remaining in English football. The Brazilian transfer window remains open until March, giving Flamengo additional time to complete negotiations for their primary target.
West Ham have not yet received a formal offer for their record signing, who joined the club from Lyon in a £51m deal in August 2022. Paqueta was absent for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round home victory over Queens Park Rangers and was present at West Ham’s training ground on Monday as speculation continues over his future.
Sky Sports News understands that regardless of West Ham’s decision this month, Paqueta will not be playing for the club next season. The Brazil international remains under contract at the London Stadium until summer 2027, with West Ham holding an option to extend his deal by another 12 months. Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing charges in July following a two-year investigation that had threatened to end his career.
