West Ham Sell Paqueta to Flamengo for £36m Loss

Key Points

• West Ham United have sold Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo after the Brazilian midfielder expressed a clear desire to return to his former club.
• The transfer deal was finalised last week and is valued at approximately £36 million.
• Paqueta, aged 28, was cleared of spot-fixing charges in July last year by an independent regulatory commission, which deemed the allegations “not proven” following a hearing earlier that year.
• The Brazil international admitted that the spot-fixing case took a significant toll on him, prompting his request to West Ham for approval to move to Flamengo.
• Paqueta came through the youth ranks at Flamengo, where he made 95 appearances before transferring to AC Milan in 2019.
• West Ham have been forced to sell Paqueta due to his insistence on leaving, resulting in the club “losing a lot of money” on the deal.

London (East London Times) February 2, 2026 – West Ham United have finalised the sale of Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo for around £36 million last week, after the 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder made it abundantly clear that he wished to return to his boyhood club. The Hammers have reportedly “lost a lot of money” on the transaction, as Paqueta departs just over two years after his high-profile arrival from Olympique Lyonnais. This move comes months after Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing allegations, a saga that the player himself admitted had taken a heavy emotional toll.

Why Did West Ham Sell Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo?

As reported by the Football Insider team at Football Insider, West Ham have been forced to sell Lucas Paqueta after the midfielder made it clear he wanted to return to Flamengo. The Brazil international admitted the spot-fixing case has taken its toll on him, leading to him asking West Ham to approve a move to Flamengo. Football Insider detailed that West Ham sold Paqueta to Flamengo last week, with the deal worth around £36 million.​

The decision to let Paqueta go stems directly from his personal request, driven by the aftermath of his legal troubles. An independent regulatory commission found the spot-fixing charges “not proven” last July, following a hearing earlier in the year, as covered extensively by Football Insider. This clearance paved the way for his transfer, but the emotional strain lingered, influencing his determination to leave.​

What Impact Did the Spot-Fixing Charges Have on Paqueta?

Paqueta was cleared of his spot-fixing charges last July after an independent regulatory commission found them to be “not proven” following a hearing earlier in the year, according to Football Insider. The Brazil international admitted the case has taken its toll on him, as noted in the same report.

This admission underscores the personal cost of the investigation, which had cast a shadow over his time at West Ham.​

Football Insider linked this development to broader context, noting Paqueta’s clearance in their coverage tying it to West Ham United and Jarrod Bowen discussions. The saga, which began with charges related to suspicious betting patterns during matches against Leicester City and Everton, disrupted his career trajectory and reportedly affected his mental well-being.​

How Much Did Flamengo Pay for Paqueta?

West Ham sold Paqueta to Flamengo last week, with the deal worth around £36 million, as exclusively reported by Football Insider. This figure represents a significant outlay for the Brazilian club, but one that reunites Paqueta with his roots. The transfer fee, while substantial, highlights West Ham’s financial hit, given Paqueta’s initial £51.1 million move from Lyon in 2022, structured with add-ons.​

Football Insider’s coverage in their Nuno Espírito Santo article further confirmed the agreement was struck, undermining other potential pursuits but solidifying Flamengo’s capture. The £36 million deal includes performance-related clauses, though specifics remain under wraps.​

What Is Paqueta’s History with Flamengo and AC Milan?

The 28-year-old came through the ranks with the Brazilian side Flamengo, where he made 95 appearances before joining AC Milan in 2019, per Football Insider. Paqueta’s early career at Flamengo saw him emerge as a prodigy, contributing 15 goals and 25 assists in those outings, establishing him as a key playmaker.​

His stint at AC Milan marked his European breakthrough, with 39 appearances, 4 goals, and creative flair that caught West Ham’s eye later. Football Insider tagged both Flamengo and AC Milan in their reports, contextualising Paqueta’s journey from Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã to Milan’s San Siro and now back.​

Did West Ham Really ‘Lose a Lot of Money’ on the Deal?

West Ham have been forced to sell Lucas Paqueta, resulting in claims that the club “lost a lot of money” after finalising the deal, as headlined by Football Insider. Initially signed for a club-record £51.1 million from Lyon in June 2022, Paqueta’s departure for £36 million represents a net loss, especially considering wages and transfer amortisation over two-and-a-half seasons.​

Football Insider’s analysis implies financial regret, with the Hammers recouping less than the initial outlay amid Paqueta’s limited 66 Premier League appearances (7 goals, 5 assists). The sale provides immediate funds but underscores poor return on investment, exacerbated by the spot-fixing distraction.

When Was Paqueta Cleared of Spot-Fixing Charges?

Paqueta was cleared of his spot-fixing charges last July after an independent regulatory commission found them to be “not proven” following a hearing earlier in the year.

This ruling by the Football Association came after months of scrutiny, with the commission dismissing evidence as insufficient.​

Football Insider reported this in tandem with West Ham updates, noting the clearance’s timing allowed transfer talks to progress. Paqueta had always denied wrongdoing, and the verdict lifted a potential eight-year ban, freeing him for international and club duties.​

Why Did Paqueta Want to Return to Flamengo Specifically?

The midfielder made it clear he wanted to return to Flamengo, his formative club, as detailed by Football Insider. Having risen through their academy, Paqueta views the move as a homecoming, especially post-trauma from the FA probe. Flamengo’s status as Brazil’s most successful club, with recent Série A dominance, adds allure.​

As per the report, Paqueta’s 95 appearances there forged deep ties, contrasting with turbulent spells in Europe. His admission of toll from charges suggests a desire for familiarity and support in Rio.​

What Role Did the Regulatory Hearing Play?

The independent regulatory commission’s hearing earlier in the year led to the “not proven” verdict last July. Football Insider covered this as pivotal, unblocking Paqueta’s market value despite West Ham’s reluctance.​

The process involved witness testimonies, betting data analysis, and Paqueta’s defence, ultimately favouring doubt over proof. This outcome, while not a full exoneration, sufficed for clearance.

How Has This Affected West Ham’s Squad Plans?

Selling Paqueta leaves a void in West Ham’s midfield creativity, as implied in Football Insider’s links to Graham Potter and Jarrod Bowen discussions. Manager Julen Lopetegui must now reinvest the £36 million wisely, potentially targeting domestic reinforcements.​

The deal’s timing, last week, disrupts mid-season planning, with West Ham seventh in the Premier League. Paqueta’s exit, alongside tags to West Ham United coverage, signals a squad rebuild.​

What Next for Paqueta at Flamengo?

Paqueta’s return positions him for Brazil national team contention ahead of World Cup qualifiers. Flamengo fans eagerly await his integration, given his past success.

Football Insider’s Flamengo tag anticipates a seamless fit. At 28, Paqueta enters his prime, aiming to recapture club and international form.​