Lucas Paqueta Makes £35.5 Million Return to Flamengo

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has finalized his transfer back to Flamengo for a fee exceeding €41 million (£35.5 million).

Career Overview

The 28-year-old player, who started his career at Flamengo, transitioned to West Ham from Lyon in 2022. During his time with the Hammers, he played 139 matches, registering 23 goals and 15 assists.

Earlier this week, Paqueta was granted permission to travel to Brazil to finalize the deal before the transfer window closes on February 2. While West Ham was open to a potential loan arrangement that would allow him to stay at the club for the rest of the season, Flamengo insisted on a permanent transfer, resulting in a contract that extends until December 2030.

Paqueta, who had a remaining 18 months on his contract with West Ham, appeared 18 times in the Premier League this season, contributing four goals.

West Ham currently finds itself at the lower end of the league table, positioned third from last, and faces Chelsea this Saturday at 17:30 GMT.

Manager’s Praise

Although West Ham has secured three consecutive wins for the first time since 2023 without Paqueta, manager Nuno Espirito Santo highlighted the importance of Paqueta to the squad.

“Lucas is a special player and an exceptional person; he embodies the qualities of a number 10,” he remarked. “While the circumstances are what they are, we continue with a positive mindset, wishing him the best as he embarks on this new chapter in Brazil.”

Understanding Paqueta’s Motivation

This transfer marks the realization of Paqueta’s long-standing desire to return to Brazil. He previously appeared comfortable in the English Premier League, attracting an £80 million bid from Manchester City in 2023. However, allegations related to spot-fixing derailed that transfer, jeopardizing his career and impacting his performance on the pitch.

Those close to Paqueta indicate that his mental well-being deteriorated during this turbulent period, leading him to seek a return to his homeland. Notable discussions connecting him to Flamengo emerged in late December 2024, where he referenced lyrics from a song expressing a yearning to go home.

Although he ultimately cleared his name of the spot-fixing allegations, Paqueta consistently pursued a move back to Brazil.

Negotiations between West Ham and Flamengo commenced on December 23 and wrapped up on January 28. Initially quoted a fee of around £52 million, Flamengo managed to settle on a £35.5 million agreement, marking a record for a transfer involving a Brazilian club.

West Ham, while flexible on the fee, hoped to retain Paqueta on loan until the season’s conclusion to bolster their chances of avoiding relegation. However, Paqueta felt it was time to leave London, and his representatives successfully orchestrated his return to Rio de Janeiro.

In time, Lucas Paqueta is likely to be remembered fondly at West Ham for his contributions, including aiding the club in their Europa Conference League victory and maintaining his status as a Brazilian international during his tenure.