Lucas Paqueta’s time at West Ham United appears to be nearing its end, as the Brazilian midfielder pushes for a return to his boyhood club Flamengo. The saga surrounding the 28-year-old has rapidly evolved into one of the January transfer window’s most dramatic storylines, with West Ham caught between their fight for Premier League survival and the wishes of a player whose heart seems set on a move back to Brazil.
Paqueta’s absence from West Ham’s FA Cup third-round victory over Queens Park Rangers on January 11, 2026, was the first public sign that all was not well. Initially, manager Nuno Espirito Santo explained that Paqueta was "not ready to play," with sources close to the player citing injury. But as the dust settled, it became clear that Paqueta himself had requested not to be selected—a move that surprised many, given that he was fit and available. The underlying reason? His growing desire to return to Flamengo, the club where he began his career.
Flamengo have made their interest explicit, tabling multiple bids for Paqueta. The Brazilian champions are reportedly willing to pay as much as €40 million (£35 million/$47 million), though West Ham have so far rejected offers in the region of €35 million (£30.3 million/$40.9 million), holding out for a fee closer to €60 million. As of January 12, 2026, no formal offer matching West Ham’s valuation has been received, but negotiations remain active behind the scenes. Paqueta, for his part, is even willing to take a pay cut to facilitate the move, and the Brazilian transfer window remains open until March—giving Flamengo ample time to continue their pursuit.
The timing of Paqueta’s transfer request could hardly be worse for West Ham. The Hammers are mired in a relegation battle, sitting 18th in the Premier League and seven points adrift of safety. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo regards Paqueta as a crucial member of the squad, especially given his creative spark and ability to change games. Paqueta has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist, and has registered five goals in all competitions—second only to Jarrod Bowen in the team’s scoring charts. With such statistics, it’s easy to see why West Ham are reluctant to sanction his sale mid-season.
Yet, the club faces a significant dilemma. Paqueta’s determination to leave is no secret. According to The Guardian, a source close to the player stated, "there is no chance the Brazil international will be at the London Stadium next season." Paqueta’s camp has also downplayed links to other Premier League clubs, such as Tottenham, making it clear that his heart is set on a return to Flamengo before the 2026 World Cup finals. The midfielder’s contract with West Ham runs until June 2027, with an option for a further year, but that seems unlikely to be exercised if he gets his way.
Paqueta’s time in England has been turbulent. He joined West Ham from Lyon in August 2022 for a club-record fee of £51 million, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite and helping the team win the UEFA Conference League in his first campaign. However, his form has fluctuated, and his time in London has been marred by off-field issues. Most notably, Paqueta became embroiled in an FA investigation into alleged betting breaches in August 2023. The investigation, which stretched nearly two years, led to charges in May 2024 and cast a shadow over his career. Ultimately, he was cleared by an independent commission in July 2025, but the ordeal took a heavy toll.
Speaking to Globo, Paqueta reflected on that period: "Without a doubt, it was a very difficult time, not only for me but for my family. My wife and I went through two long, painful years, but with a happy ending. This also strengthened our marriage, our history as a family: me, her, and the children. I'm happy it ended the way it did; I fought hard against it, and it's very difficult not being able to speak, to hear various narratives and not being able to tell your side of the story. It was difficult for me; I had psychological support to deal with all of this, with some of the problems. Now it's about enjoying this moment, being able to play a little lighter again, without this weight, without this fear, and being happy on the field."
The psychological strain of the investigation, combined with the collapse of a high-profile transfer to Manchester City in 2023 and subsequent failed negotiations with Aston Villa, has left Paqueta disillusioned with life in England. He has never hidden his affection for Flamengo, telling Brazilian TV station GE, "I know that at some point this return will happen." Paqueta’s recent conduct—requesting not to play in a crucial cup tie and expressing a willingness to accept a lower salary—further underscores his resolve to return home.
For West Ham, the prospect of losing Paqueta is daunting. Not only would they be parting with one of their most talented players during a critical phase of the season, but they would also risk alienating an already frustrated fan base. However, keeping a wantaway player could be equally damaging to squad morale, and the sizable transfer fee Flamengo are prepared to offer might allow the club to reinvest in much-needed reinforcements during the January window.
Two other Premier League clubs have reportedly shown interest in Paqueta, but his desire to return to Brazil appears unwavering. West Ham’s reluctance to sell is rooted in their need for survival, but the club’s hand may eventually be forced if Paqueta’s determination does not waver and Flamengo return with an improved bid. As of now, the midfielder remains contracted to the Hammers, having been present at the club’s training ground on January 12, 2026, but his absence from matchday squads is likely to continue as the transfer saga unfolds.
With West Ham set to face Tottenham Hotspur in a pivotal London derby on Saturday, the uncertainty surrounding Paqueta’s future adds another layer of intrigue to an already tense season. The Brazilian transfer window’s extended deadline means this story is far from over. For now, all eyes remain on the negotiations between West Ham and Flamengo, and on whether Lucas Paqueta will get his long-awaited homecoming—or whether the Hammers will stand firm in their battle for Premier League survival.
