Brazilian giants Flamengo offered a staggering €40m (about £34.7m) for West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paqueta, igniting a high-stakes standoff in the January transfer window.
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberga verbal agreement between the 28-year-old and his boyhood club regarding personal terms has already been “completed and confirmed”, with the final decision now entirely in the hands of the Hammers’ board.
Flamengo are aiming to reach a deal with “immediate effect”, but West Ham remain resolute.
The London club are currently embroiled in a tough relegation battle in the Premier League under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and are desperate to keep hold of their star player until at least the end of the season.
According to reports, West Ham rejected Flamengo’s opening bid despite being offered a hefty transfer fee.
The club’s top brass believe Lucas Paqueta is vital to their hopes of survival, especially after the recent signing of Tati Castellanos to strengthen the attack.
Plettenberg reported that the Hammers have so far “blocked all offers” but that Flamengo are undaunted and expects them to come back with an improved offer of more than 40 million euros.
The dilemma for West Ham’s board is whether to sign a player whose heart is clearly elsewhere, or risk leaving an unfortunate asset at a crucial stage of the season.
Lucas Paqueta insists on leaving West Ham
The situation was deteriorating behind the scenes, with prominent X officials claiming that Paqueta was on an “unofficial strike” to force a transfer.
The Brazil international was absent from West Ham’s recent FA Cup victory over QPR and has reportedly requested not to be selected.
The official reason was a minor injury, but a source close to the player said he was “disillusioned” with life in England.
Paqueta is said to be pushing for the move not only for footballing reasons, but also to return to a supportive environment in Brazil after a difficult period in the Premier League.
Paqueta’s time at West Ham
Paqueta’s tenure at the London Stadium has been a rollercoaster ride. He originally arrived on a record contract and became a fan favorite for his talent and work ethic, but his career was nearly derailed by a lengthy FA investigation into allegations of gambling offences.
After a two-year ordeal, he was finally found not guilty in July 2025, but the mental strain on him was clear.
Despite a brief resurgence with a goal against Nottingham Forest in which he famously faked throwing away his phone, his relationship with the English game remains strained.
With the World Cup just around the corner, Paqueta is convinced that a return to the Maracanã is the only way to find peace and regain his form.
