Flamengo, West Ham Near Paquetá Deal

Key Points

• Flamengo and West Ham United are nearing an agreement on the transfer fee for Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá, centred around €35 million fixed plus €5 million in bonuses, equivalent to approximately R$217 million plus R$31 million.
• The primary remaining obstacle is the timing of Paquetá’s release: Flamengo and the 28-year-old player seek an immediate departure, while West Ham request a loan back until the end of the Premier League season.
• West Ham United sit in the relegation zone, 18th in the Premier League standings, seven points behind Nottingham Forest in 17th place, the first team outside the bottom three.
• Paquetá has informed West Ham of his strong desire to return to Flamengo, his boyhood club where he came through the academy, debuting for the first team in 2016 and becoming a regular in 2017.
• The player skipped West Ham’s FA Cup third-round victory over QPR on January 11, 2026, requesting not to play amid transfer speculation.
• Personal terms between Paquetá and Flamengo have been agreed, with the player’s side represented by Roc Nation Sports describing it as “all done”.
• Flamengo remain optimistic about resolving the deal soon, with a key meeting potentially scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026.
• West Ham coach Nuno Espírito Santo opposes an immediate sale, viewing Paquetá as a key starter in their relegation battle, with the player having four goals and one assist in 18 Premier League appearances this season.​
• Previous bids: Flamengo offered around €30 million fixed plus €5 million bonuses (R$219 million total), rejected by West Ham who initially sought up to €60 million; West Ham now more flexible but insist on loan.
• Paquetá’s career path: Joined AC Milan in January 2019, then Lyon, before moving to West Ham in summer 2022 for over £50 million; he has played 139 times for the Hammers, scoring 23 goals and 15 assists.

Flamengo e West Ham se aproximam de acordo para fechar valor da transferência de Paquetá​

London (East London Times) January 16, 2026 – Flamengo and West Ham United are advancing towards a transfer agreement for Lucas Paquetá, with negotiations focusing on a fee of €35 million fixed plus €5 million in bonuses, though the timing of the 28-year-old midfielder’s release remains the critical sticking point. According to reports from ge.globo.com, the English club has signalled to Flamengo that it will allow Paquetá to depart if the payment aligns more closely with what the Rio de Janeiro side can afford. Flamengo and Paquetá push for an immediate transfer, while West Ham, mired in the relegation zone, seek a loan return until the Premier League season concludes.​

What Is the Current Status of the Paquetá Transfer Negotiations?

As reported by Sérgio Xavier of ge.globo.com, Flamengo and West Ham have drawn closer on the valuation, with the deal likely settling around €35 million fixed plus €5 million in bonuses. “O problema final a ser resolvido diz respeito à data de saída de Paquetá da Inglaterra,” states the ge.globo.com article, highlighting that Flamengo wants immediate availability, but West Ham proposes a loan until the end of the English campaign. Sources close to the talks, cited by Globo.com, indicate optimism from the Brazilian club, with a pivotal meeting on Friday, January 16, potentially unlocking progress.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X that “Lucas Paquetá has reached an agreement with Flamengo on personal terms, all done on player side. Paquetá wants to return to Brazil and talks are now ongoing with West Ham. Up to #WHUFC with player pushing to make it happen.” ESPN sources reveal Paquetá authorised his agents to encourage Flamengo to bid around £35 million ($47m), a figure West Ham might accept despite believing they could fetch more from European suitors like Tottenham Hotspur. However, West Ham owner David Sullivan reportedly seeks £42-50 million, while Flamengo caps at €40 million.

Why Is West Ham Insisting on a Loan-Back Clause?

West Ham United languish in 18th place, seven points adrift of Nottingham Forest and safety, making Paquetá’s retention vital amid their survival fight. Coach Nuno Espírito Santo deems the midfielder an “undisputed starter,” with ESPN noting his opposition to a mid-season exit. As per Claret and Hugh citing Romano, Paquetá has informed West Ham he does not wish to play for them again, yet the club feels backed into a corner without midfield replacements after George Earthy’s departure to Bristol City.

Ge.globo.com reports West Ham’s initial €60 million (R$375 million) demand has softened to nearer Flamengo’s €40 million (R$250 million) proposal, but the loan insistence stems from relegation peril. MundoBola Flamengo sources describe Flamengo’s €30 million fixed plus €5 million bonuses offer as “assustadora” (frighteningly high), yet West Ham rejected it, favouring a model preserving Paquetá until summer.fla.

How Does West Ham’s Relegation Battle Factor In?

Defeats, including recent ones raising stakes against Forest, underscore the Hammers’ woes. Paquetá’s four goals and one assist in 18 league games this season highlight his value. BBC Sport questions if West Ham can risk faith in the “unhappy” star, noting his FA Cup omission.

What Sparked Paquetá’s Desire to Leave West Ham?

Paquetá requested exclusion from West Ham’s FA Cup third-round win over QPR on January 11, 2026, fuelling exit talk, as detailed by East London Times. The Guardian, via Goal.com, reports his disillusionment with life in England prompted the boycott despite fitness. ESPN sources affirm his wish to rejoin boyhood club Flamengo, authorising agents to push the move.

Football Agencies notes Roc Nation Sports backs the “all done” personal terms, with Paquetá pressuring West Ham. Ge.globo.com’s Pablo Rua first published that Paquetá met Espírito Santo to declare his exit intent, bolstering Flamengo’s leverage. ExWHUemployee via Claret and Hugh states Paquetá pushes hard, ruling out strikes but forcing the issue.​

Who Is Lucas Paquetá and What Is His Career History?

Revealed in Flamengo’s academy since 2007, Paquetá won the 2016 Copa São Paulo de Júniores, debuted senior in 2016, and starred from 2017 with 95 appearances. He joined AC Milan in January 2019, then Lyon for two years, before West Ham’s £50 million+ record signing in 2022. At the Hammers, he debuted versus Tottenham, scored first Premier League goal against Leeds in 2023, and assisted the UEFA Europa Conference League final winner versus Fiorentina.

With 139 appearances, 23 goals, and 15 assists, Paquetá has 18 months left on contract. Internationally, he eyes Brazil selection; Sérgio Xavier opines Flamengo offers Seleção starting chances.

What Challenges Remain and Could the Deal Fall Through?

The loan clause complicates matters, with Flamengo viewing it as a barrier despite fee progress. TransferFeed notes West Ham rejected €35 million initially, and Brazilian window open until March allows delay options. Ge.globo.com cautions the phase is “complicated,” yet Paquetá’s resolve—communicated directly—tips scales.

If unresolved, Paquetá stays until summer, per Bailey via TransferFeed, amid West Ham’s fight and Flamengo’s recent signings like Vitão and Andrew. Should it succeed, it marks Brazil’s priciest import, eclipsing Gerson to Cruzeiro.