Lucas Paqueta has completed a £35.5m move from West Ham to Flamengo, ending his Premier League spell as the Hammers battle relegation.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has completed a permanent move to Flamengo for £35.5m. The 28-year-old returns to the club where his career began in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo confirmed the deal runs until December 2030. It represents a record transfer fee paid by a Brazilian club.
Paqueta travelled to Brazil earlier this week after being granted permission by West Ham. The move was finalised ahead of the February 2 transfer deadline. West Ham had explored a loan back option. Flamengo insisted on a permanent transfer.
Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 for a club record fee. He made 139 appearances across all competitions. During that spell he scored 23 goals and provided 15 assists. He was a key figure in the side that won the Europa Conference League in 2023.
In the Premier League he featured 110 times for the Hammers. Only Jarrod Bowen delivered more goal involvements for the club during that period. Paqueta also remained a regular Brazil international throughout his time in England. His final West Ham goal came earlier this season.
West Ham confirmed Paqueta requested the transfer for family and personal reasons. The midfielder was cleared of spot fixing charges last year after a lengthy investigation. The case had threatened his career and impacted his mental wellbeing. Club officials said the uncertainty caused significant strain.
Despite interest from Tottenham and Chelsea, Paqueta chose a return home. He admitted his priority was Flamengo. The move allows him to reset ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Flamengo officials described the signing as historic.
West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo praised Paqueta but admitted circumstances forced the decision. He described the Brazilian as a unique number ten. Nuno added that replacing him in January would be difficult. The club reluctantly accepted the transfer request.
West Ham released a statement thanking Paqueta for his service. They highlighted his professionalism during a challenging period. Supporters gave him a warm farewell. His contribution to recent success will be remembered fondly.
Flamengo see Paqueta as a statement signing. The club are reigning Brazilian and South American champions. They boast strong revenues and growing ambition. Paqueta is expected to play a central creative role.
He made his senior debut for Flamengo in 2016. He scored 11 league goals before moving to Europe. The club welcomed him back with an emotional message. Expectations will be high at the Maracana.
Paqueta leaves West Ham during a difficult campaign. The Hammers sit 18th in the Premier League table. They are five points from safety after 23 games. However, they have won their last two league matches. Nuno’s side face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend and a positive result would see them close the game on 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.
Next up is a trip to Chelsea on Saturday. Nuno must now reshape his midfield. Survival remains the clear priority. Paqueta’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter.
