Lucas Paqueta’s ploy to leave West Ham is well and truly underway as sources speak out

Lucas Paqueta's Ploy to Leave West Ham Underway as Sources Speak Out

Lucas Paqueta, West Ham United's Brazilian midfielder, has intensified efforts to depart the club amid their Premier League relegation battle, with sources confirming his desire to return to boyhood club Flamengo.[2][3]

The 28-year-old, who joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022, has made his intentions clear, authorizing agents to push for a January exit. Personal terms with Flamengo were agreed days ago, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, and the Rio club is preparing new talks. Flamengo eyes a £35 million ($47m) offer, which West Ham might consider, though they believe a European side like Tottenham Hotspur could pay more.[3]

West Ham sit 18th, seven points from safety after a 10-match winless run, making Paqueta—a key starter with four goals and one assist in 18 appearances this season—vital for manager Nuno Espírito Santo's survival push. Nuno opposes a mid-season sale, viewing him as essential for match-winning quality.[2][3]

Complicating matters, West Ham insert sell-to-buy clauses in deals, insisting on loan-back arrangements for any Paqueta sale—like a potential Flamengo loan with a future buy option. A club source notes this protects relationships but hinders January targets amid relegation fears, potentially halving Paqueta's earnings if relegated.[1][2]

Paqueta was omitted from the recent FA Cup win over QPR amid speculation. West Ham plans include reinvesting sale funds in Brazilian talent like Cruzeiro's Jorge—a 26-goal attacker in 46 games, eyed on loan-to-buy (£3.5m loan, £18.2m permanent)—to bolster attack alongside underperformer Crysencio Summerville.[4]

Brazil's window closes March 3, giving Nuno time to retain Paqueta for seven league games and a cup tie. Uncertainty looms at London Stadium, with Paqueta's 18-month contract fueling a transfer crisis.[2][3][5]

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