Key Points
- Flamengo’s president has confirmed that a deal with West Ham United for Lucas Paqueta is now imminent, following a personal vow made to West Ham co-owner David Sullivan.
- Hammers News was the first English outlet to reveal that West Ham’s deal to sell Lucas Paqueta had “never been so close,” citing a top Brazilian source with inside knowledge of the saga from the start.
- Flamengo formalised a new proposal to West Ham for around £36 million as a fixed fee, removing all performance-related add-ons from the original offer and retaining only instalment payments.
- The revised offer received a positive response from West Ham chief David Sullivan.
- A major development overnight indicates that the Paqueta saga at West Ham is nearly over.
- Lucas Paqueta was absent from West Ham’s squad for their 3-1 win over Sunderland, as well as prior victories against Spurs and QPR.
- Paqueta’s last appearance in a West Ham shirt appears to have been the dismal 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on 6 January.
Rio de Janeiro (East London Times) January 26, 2026 – Flamengo president has confirmed that a transfer deal with West Ham United for midfielder Lucas Paqueta is imminent, following a personal vow to Hammers co-owner David Sullivan, marking the end of a protracted saga.
- Key Points
- What Triggered Flamengo’s Confirmation?
- Why Was Hammers News First to Break the Story?
- How Did Paqueta’s Recent Absences Factor In?
- What Changes Did Flamengo Make to Their Proposal?
- Who Is David Sullivan in This Deal?
- When Did the Saga Reach Breaking Point?
- What Does Imminent Mean for the Transfer Timeline?
- How Has West Ham Managed Without Paqueta?
- Why Return to Flamengo for Paqueta?
- What Role Did Brazilian Sources Play?
- Implications for West Ham’s Squad?
- Flamengo’s Strategic Pivot Explained
- Paqueta’s Last West Ham Moments?
- Broader Transfer Market Context
The announcement comes after weeks of negotiations, with Flamengo submitting a revised £36 million fixed-fee offer that satisfied West Ham’s demands. Hammers News led the reporting in English media, stating the deal had “never been so close”.
What Triggered Flamengo’s Confirmation?
After prolonged discussions, Flamengo’s president stepped in to assure David Sullivan directly. As reported by Hammers News, the Brazilian club had initially proposed add-ons tied to performance, which West Ham rejected. Flamengo then reworked the bid into a clean £36 million upfront figure, payable in instalments, which garnered a positive nod from Sullivan.
This personal commitment from Flamengo’s leadership underscores the deal’s advanced stage. The outlet, citing a top source in Brazil intimately involved since the saga’s inception, emphasised that formalisation of the proposal shifted dynamics decisively.
Paqueta’s absence from recent matches further signals his imminent departure. He sat out West Ham’s 3-1 triumph over Sunderland, alongside earlier wins versus Spurs and QPR, fuelling speculation.
Why Was Hammers News First to Break the Story?
Hammers News emerged as the pioneering English source on Sunday, revealing West Ham’s deal to sell Paqueta had reached unprecedented proximity. Their report, grounded in insights from a premier Brazilian insider tracking the transfer from day one, detailed Flamengo’s strategic pivot.
The article highlighted the shift from a conditional structure to a straightforward fixed fee of approximately £36 million. This adjustment, coupled with instalments as the sole remaining clause, addressed West Ham’s reservations head-on.
David Sullivan’s favourable reaction propelled talks forward. Overnight, a significant breakthrough solidified perceptions that resolution loomed.
How Did Paqueta’s Recent Absences Factor In?
Lucas Paqueta’s exclusion from West Ham’s recent fixtures painted a clear picture of transition. Notably absent for the 3-1 victory against Sunderland, he also missed triumphs over Spurs and QPR beforehand.
Observers point to the 6 January defeat to Nottingham Forest—described as dismal—as potentially his final outing in Hammers colours. This pattern aligns with transfer windows where players on the cusp of moves are rested to preserve value and fitness for new chapters.
Flamengo’s confirmation now ties these absences to the impending deal, quelling fan uncertainty at West Ham while exciting supporters in Rio.
What Changes Did Flamengo Make to Their Proposal?
Originally laden with performance-related add-ons, Flamengo’s bid underwent refinement at West Ham’s behest. The club stripped these variables, presenting a £36 million fixed sum instead.
Instalment payments endured as the proposal’s lone flexibility. This compromise resonated with Sullivan, eliciting optimism.
Hammers News’ source affirmed the bid’s formal status, positioning it as the catalyst for presidential intervention.
Who Is David Sullivan in This Deal?
As West Ham’s chief, David Sullivan holds sway over major transactions. His positive response to Flamengo’s overhaul marked a turning point.
The Flamengo president’s vow to Sullivan personally elevates the narrative, blending business acumen with interpersonal assurance in high-stakes football transfers.
Sullivan’s involvement reflects West Ham’s pragmatic approach, prioritising financial certainty amid squad evolution.
When Did the Saga Reach Breaking Point?
The overnight major development crystallised progress. Hammers News framed it as the saga nearing conclusion post their Sunday exclusive.
Paqueta’s benching timeline—from Forest onwards—mirrors this acceleration. Flamengo’s fixed-fee gambit, sans add-ons, sealed the momentum.
What Does Imminent Mean for the Transfer Timeline?
Flamengo’s president declaring the deal “imminent” implies swift formalities. Expect paperwork and medicals soon, ushering Paqueta back to Brazil.
West Ham’s receptiveness, per Sullivan, suggests no last-minute hitches. The vow adds binding intent.
How Has West Ham Managed Without Paqueta?
Victories over Sunderland (3-1), Spurs, and QPR demonstrate resilience sans Paqueta. The Forest loss on 6 January preceded this run, highlighting squad depth.
Fans interpret his omissions as transfer housekeeping, preserving his marketability.
Why Return to Flamengo for Paqueta?
Paqueta’s trajectory—from Flamengo roots to West Ham—now loops homeward. The £36 million fixed fee validates his value while granting West Ham fiscal relief.
The personal vow underscores Flamengo’s resolve, potentially reigniting Paqueta’s career in familiar environs.
What Role Did Brazilian Sources Play?
A top Brazilian source, privy to the saga’s origins, fed Hammers News pivotal intel. Their early reveal of the £36 million shift proved prescient.
This insider’s continuity lent credibility, culminating in presidential corroboration.
Implications for West Ham’s Squad?
Resolving Paqueta’s future frees resources for reinvestment. Sullivan’s green light prioritises stability.
Recent wins sans Paqueta affirm tactical flexibility under the manager.
Flamengo’s Strategic Pivot Explained
Ditching add-ons for a fixed instalment-based £36 million showcased adaptability. This met Sullivan’s criteria, prompting the vow.
Overnight confirmation via the president signals board-level buy-in.
Paqueta’s Last West Ham Moments?
The Nottingham Forest defeat on 6 January stands as Paqueta’s probable farewell. Subsequent absences cemented the narrative.
Hammers News tied this to deal proximity, with Sunderland’s win as the latest chapter.
Broader Transfer Market Context
Amid January dealings, Paqueta’s move exemplifies mid-season flux. Flamengo’s aggression contrasts prior hesitancy.
