West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is keen to leave the London Stadium and rejoin former club Flamengo, according to multiple reports.
The 28-year-old was left out of the matchday squad for the 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup on Sunday, and it has subsequently been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano that he has an “agreement” on personal terms ahead of a move back to Brazil.
However, the transfer fee itself could still prove to be an issue, and fans on X are urging the Hammers to make sure they don’t let Paqueta go on the cheap:
Let him go.
— Dan Dunkley (@DanDunks1984) January 12, 2026
As long as they pay the money
— Paul (@PPalmer1961) January 12, 2026
Let’s not wait until the last few days to get this sorted then. Get rid and reinvest. Don’t want anyone who doesn’t want to be here no matter what level they are
— Liam Knipes (@LKnipes) January 12, 2026
Let him go, I like Lucas a lot but it’s been a story that’s constantly floating around like a bad smell. Let him go back to Brazil put the whole thing to bed reinvest the money
— WHUKapz (@WHUKapz) January 12, 2026
Cash in and grab a decent defender or two…
— Darren (@DarrenG1977) January 12, 2026
Paqueta has been keen to join Flamengo for quite some time
The Brazilian international confirmed in an interview last year that he has received offers to return to his former team.
Paqueta is said to have ultimately decided to stay with the Irons out of loyalty after they helped him through his trial for spot fixing. Nonetheless, it now appears he is pushing to leave.
How much could West Ham receive from the player’s sale?
Some reports have suggested that Flamengo would be willing to pay upwards of €40m (£35m), but that seems extremely unlikely as their record transfer stands at €22m (£19m), which they paid for Atletico Madrid winger Samuel Lino last summer.
They would have to nearly double that fee if the reported figure for Paqueta is accurate. Flamengo have explored loan deals in the past, but West Ham have rejected such proposals on the grounds that they need to raise funds for his replacement.
There have been rumours that Tottenham or Aston Villa could come back in for Paqueta, having shown some interest at the start of the season, but it is believed that the midfielder has prioritised a transfer back to Brazil.
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