Paqueta’s €42m Flamengo Return Shocks West Ham

Key Points

• West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has reached a final agreement to return to his former club Flamengo.
• The transfer will make Paqueta the most expensive player in Brazilian Serie A history.
• Flamengo will pay a record fee of €42 million (£36 million) to West Ham for the 28-year-old midfielder.
• Paqueta is set to sign a five-year contract with Flamengo.
• Negotiations between West Ham and Flamengo have been ongoing for some time over a January transfer window deal.
• The agreement was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
• Paqueta, who joined West Ham in 2022, has played his last game for the Hammers and is due to travel to Brazil later today.
• Paqueta had been eager to return to Brazil amid uncertainty over his future at West Ham.
• West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo left Paqueta out of recent squads due to ongoing transfer speculation.
• Paqueta’s European career includes spells at AC Milan and Lyon prior to his move to West Ham.

East London (East London Times) January 28, 2026 – West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta has finalised a blockbuster deal to rejoin Flamengo, paving the way for him to become the most expensive signing in Brazilian Serie A history with a €42 million (£36 million) transfer fee. The 28-year-old is expected to ink a lucrative five-year contract and travel to Brazil imminently, marking the end of his tenure at the London Stadium. This development concludes protracted negotiations between the two clubs, as confirmed by renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.​

What Triggered Paqueta’s Flamengo Return?

Paqueta’s desire to leave West Ham stemmed from prolonged uncertainty surrounding his future in English football. According to Fabrizio Romano of Goal.com, West Ham and Flamengo had been locked in negotiations for some time over a January transfer, with the Brazilian side finally securing their man on a record-breaking deal. Romano stated that “Paqueta deal finally agreed,” highlighting the culmination of talks that saw Flamengo commit €42 million for the player who first rose to prominence with the Rio de Janeiro club.

Paqueta joined West Ham in the summer of 2022 from Olympique Lyonnais, where he had previously shone after a stint at AC Milan. Despite showing glimpses of his undoubted talent in the Premier League, the midfielder’s situation deteriorated under recent management changes. West Ham’s new boss Nuno Espirito Santo excluded Paqueta from recent matchday squads explicitly due to the ongoing transfer saga, a decision that underscored the player’s disillusionment.

Why Is This the Most Expensive Serie A Transfer Ever?

The €42 million fee represents uncharted territory for Brazilian Serie A, eclipsing all previous benchmarks for incoming talent. As detailed in the Goal.com report, this sum positions Paqueta as the priciest acquisition in the league’s history, reflecting Flamengo’s ambition to reclaim domestic and continental dominance. The payment structure, while not fully disclosed, aligns with Paqueta’s status as a proven performer at the highest levels of European football.

Flamengo’s financial muscle has grown significantly in recent years, bolstered by sponsorships and success in the Copa Libertadores. This deal not only repatriates a homegrown star but also sends a statement to rivals across South America. Paqueta’s return is poised to boost Flamengo’s midfield creativity, drawing on his familiarity with the club’s culture and supporters.

How Did Negotiations Between West Ham and Flamengo Unfold?

Talks between West Ham and Flamengo intensified in the January transfer window, with both parties navigating complex financial and contractual hurdles. Fabrizio Romano, a trusted voice in transfer reporting via Goal.com, noted that the clubs had been in “Paqueta negotiations for some time,” with a breakthrough achieved recently. The agreement ensures West Ham recoup a substantial fee for a player signed two-and-a-half years prior, aiding their squad rebuilding efforts under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Paqueta’s camp had pushed for a swift resolution, amid reports of the player’s waning commitment at West Ham. The Hammers, pragmatic in their approach, prioritised securing value in the deal rather than prolonging uncertainty. Flamengo’s persistence paid off, as they outmanoeuvred potential rivals to bring their former academy product back to the Maracanã.

What Is Paqueta’s Track Record at West Ham?

Since arriving at West Ham in 2022, Paqueta contributed to key moments but faced challenges adapting fully to the Premier League’s intensity. His technical prowess and vision were evident in standout performances, yet injuries and off-field issues occasionally hampered consistency. The Goal.com coverage links to prior analysis on Paqueta’s “selection bombshell,” where his disillusionment with life in East London became apparent.

Under previous manager David Moyes, Paqueta featured regularly, but the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo shifted dynamics. The Portuguese coach’s decision to omit him from recent squads was a direct response to transfer speculation, as reported across multiple outlets. Paqueta has now played his final game for West Ham, with his departure imminent.

Why Was Paqueta Eager to Leave West Ham?

Paqueta’s homesickness and longing for Brazil were recurring themes in coverage of his West Ham stint. The midfielder, who left Flamengo initially for AC Milan in 2019, expressed a keen desire to return home, a sentiment amplified by family considerations and cultural ties. Goal.com’s reporting underscores that Paqueta “had been eager to return to Brazil,” with the uncertainty culminating in his squad exclusion.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s management style prioritised focus and unity, leading to the tough call on Paqueta’s involvement. This episode mirrors broader trends of South American players seeking repatriation after European adventures, balancing prestige with personal well-being.

What Does Paqueta’s Five-Year Contract Entail?

The proposed five-year deal at Flamengo offers Paqueta long-term security and a platform to rebuild his career trajectory. While exact salary figures remain under wraps, the contract’s length signals the club’s faith in his leadership qualities. Flamengo envision him as a cornerstone for upcoming campaigns, including Serie A title defences and continental competitions.

This commitment aligns with Paqueta’s age (28), positioning him at his peak for the duration. The structure incentivises performance while providing stability absent during his turbulent West Ham phase.

How Will West Ham Cope Without Paqueta?

West Ham now face the task of reinvesting the €42 million windfall under Nuno Espirito Santo. The club has been active in the January window, but Paqueta’s exit leaves a creative void in midfield. Supporters in East London will reflect on his contributions fondly, tempered by the business realities of modern football.

The Hammers’ squad depth offers options, yet replacing Paqueta’s flair requires shrewd recruitment. Espirito Santo’s squad rotation philosophy may accelerate integration of younger talents or new signings.

What Is Flamengo’s Vision for Paqueta?

Flamengo see Paqueta as the linchpin for renewed success, leveraging his European-honed skills in a familiar environment. His return evokes nostalgia, given his breakout at the club before European moves to AC Milan and Lyon. The record fee underscores their status as Brazil’s preeminent force.

Club officials anticipate Paqueta boosting fan engagement and commercial revenues, with his profile elevating Flamengo’s global appeal. Serie A rivals will monitor closely as the Mengão aim to dominate once more.

What Happens Next for Paqueta?

Paqueta is scheduled to travel to Brazil later today, completing medical checks and formalising the transfer. His integration into Flamengo’s squad promises excitement, with domestic fixtures looming. West Ham bid farewell to a gifted talent whose legacy includes moments of magic amid challenges.