West Ham Sells Paquetá to Flamengo with Loan Back

Key Points

• West Ham United have agreed to sell Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo, but propose loaning him back until the end of the Premier League season on 24 May, amid their fight against relegation.
• Negotiations have advanced to a tangible stage, though obstacles persist, particularly around the fixture calendar conflicting with Flamengo’s early-season competitions.
• Paquetá expressed his desire to return to Brazilian football last Wednesday, prompting West Ham to open discussions.
• West Ham’s proposal does not align with Flamengo’s objectives, as the loan-back would delay Paquetá’s availability until late May.
• The initial transfer fee demand was €60 million, now reduced to €40 million, marking significant financial progress.
• Flamengo views Paquetá’s personal pressure on West Ham as pivotal to expediting the deal.
• No formal offer from Flamengo yet; they await Paquetá’s direct talks with West Ham directors, expected soon.
• A key meeting is scheduled for Friday to address flexibility on the loan condition.
• Flamengo has until 3 March (Brazilian transfer window closure) for negotiations, but aims to secure Paquetá quickly for their pursuit of Campeonato Carioca, Supercopa do Brasil, and Recopa Sudamericana in the first quarter.
• The arrangement was first reported by The Guardian and corroborated by Brazilian outlet GE.
• Paquetá’s return to Gávea appears more imminent than before, despite ongoing hurdles.

London (East London Times) 16 January 2026 – West Ham United have reached an agreement in principle to sell Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo, but the English club insists on loaning him back until the Premier League season concludes on 24 May, as the Hammers desperately battle relegation. This complex proposal has advanced negotiations but hit snags over competing fixture schedules, with Flamengo pushing for greater flexibility. A Friday meeting aims to resolve the impasse, amid financial progress on a €40 million fee.

What Sparked West Ham’s Willingness to Sell Paquetá?

The pathway for West Ham to consider offloading Paquetá emerged last Wednesday, when the player explicitly conveyed his desire to return to Brazilian football. As detailed in the initial report, Paquetá’s firm wish to leave prompted the club to engage in discussions, despite his crucial role in their survival fight. West Ham’s openness reflects the player’s leverage, though they prioritise retaining him through the season.

This development aligns with Paquetá’s expressed intent to depart under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, though no direct quote from the coach appears in available coverage. The club’s stance underscores their relegation peril, positioning Paquetá as a key asset.

Why Does Flamengo Oppose the Loan-Back Proposal?

West Ham’s tabled proposal involves Flamengo buying Paquetá outright, only to loan him back to the Hammers until the Premier League’s end. This arrangement, primarily driven by West Ham’s relegation battle, does not align with the Rubro-Negro‘s objectives. Flamengo’s board contends that the structure renders immediate sporting planning impractical, given the Premier League’s conclusion on 24 May.

As initially reported by journalists at The Guardian and subsequently corroborated by GE in Brazil, the fixture calendar clash forms the negotiation crux. Flamengo’s early-year ambitions—for the Campeonato Carioca, Supercopa do Brasil, and Recopa Sudamericana—demand Paquetá’s prompt availability, making the loan-back untenable without concessions.

A meeting scheduled for Friday seeks to introduce greater flexibility to this condition, potentially adjusting terms to suit both parties.

How Has Financial Progress Shaped the Talks?

Significant strides mark the financial front, with the transfer fee now under discussion at €40 million—a notable reduction from West Ham’s initial €60 million asking price. Flamengo perceives this revised valuation as a clear sign of progress, easing one major barrier.

The player’s fervent desire has proved pivotal, with the Fla board convinced that pressure exerted by Paquetá himself could expedite the process. To date, Flamengo has refrained from tabling a formal offer, preferring to await Paquetá’s groundwork with West Ham’s directors—a development anticipated in the coming days.

While Flamengo has no intention of increasing its financial offer, it remains willing to negotiate terms and conditions. The Brazilian transfer window’s closure on 3 March provides ample scope for extended discussions.

What Role Does Paquetá Play in Flamengo’s Ambitions?

Flamengo’s primary objective is to secure the midfielder’s services as soon as possible, given their pursuit of three titles in the first quarter: Campeonato Carioca, Supercopa do Brasil, and Recopa Sudamericana. Paquetá’s return to Gávea—Flamengo’s iconic training ground—holds strategic value for these campaigns.

The transfer saga, though ongoing, appears more imminent than remote for the first time. Paquetá’s personal push, combined with financial concessions, positions Flamengo favourably, despite the loan hurdle.

What Challenges Remain in Finalising the Deal?

Despite a more favourable outlook, several obstacles impede a straightforward resolution. The sporting impasse over the Premier League calendar persists as the core issue, with West Ham insistent on retaining Paquetá amid relegation pressure.

No statements from West Ham officials directly quote rejection of alternatives, but their proposal’s rigidity suggests limited wiggle room. Flamengo’s strategy—holding off on a formal bid until Paquetá engages directors—adds another layer, relying on the player’s influence.

Broader Context: West Ham’s Relegation Fight

West Ham’s battle against relegation underscores the loan-back insistence, deeming Paquetá a crucial asset. The Hammers’ precarious position in the Premier League table amplifies his importance through May.

This context, drawn from aggregated reporting, highlights why a clean sale without recall proves unpalatable for the London club. No alternative midfield reinforcements are mentioned in sources, intensifying reliance on Paquetá.

Flamengo’s Strategic Patience

Flamengo’s board exhibits strategic patience, leveraging Paquetá’s desire and the extended transfer window. Their conviction in the player’s pressure tactics reflects confidence in a breakthrough.

The Friday meeting could prove decisive, potentially introducing compromises like a mid-season recall or adjusted fee structures. Until resolved, Flamengo balances ambition with pragmatism.

Paquetá’s Personal Stake

Lucas Paquetá’s explicit wish to return home drives the narrative. His direct intervention with West Ham directors, expected soon, may tip negotiations.

No public statements from Paquetá appear verbatim, but his actions—conveyed last Wednesday—signal unwavering intent. This player-led dynamic marks a departure from club-only talks.

Implications for Premier League and Brazilian Football

For West Ham, the deal risks weakening their squad if unresolved, yet cashing in now secures funds amid financial fair play constraints. Flamengo gains a marquee talent, bolstering title bids.

The cross-continental tug-of-war exemplifies modern transfer complexities, blending player power, calendars, and economics. Observers note the €20 million fee drop as pragmatic from West Ham.

Next Steps in Negotiations

The Friday meeting looms critical, targeting loan flexibility. Subsequent days may see Paquetá’s director talks, followed by Flamengo’s formal offer.

With time until 3 March, urgency tempers patience. Resolution appears closer, hinging on compromise.