Credit: Imago
Thu 29 January 2026 8:10, UK
Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham transfer saga is finally over.
West Ham announced that Paqueta will undergo a medical with Flamengo ahead of a permanent move back to Brazil.
Paqueta will join Flamengo for around £36.4million, making it the most expensive fee a Brazilian club has ever paid for a player.
The structure of the deal remains unknown, although West Ham are said to have agreed to Flamengo paying the fee in 24 monthly instalments.
The move has been over three weeks in the making, and it felt as though the Brazilian was never getting the chance to return to his homeland.
Credit: ImagoNew details emerge on Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo saga
Paqueta agreed personal terms with Flamengo at the start of January, but the move was in doubt as the Hammers wouldn’t budge from their asking price.
After multiple failed transfer bids, the Brazilian giants have finally got their man, and the 28-year-old’s spell in E20 has come to an end after three-and-a-half years.
Brazilian media outlet Globo reported Flamengo’s failure to reach an agreement with West Ham caused the midfielder to cry at times.
Paqueta’s Premier League record this season
People close to Paqueta added that he was in a state of euphoria for days, with his life practically on hold while waiting for the deal to be finalised.
Although the deal was always on the cards, it was a long-winded saga, and it looked clear that he would stay.
Therefore, his departure just days before the transfer deadline is still a twist of sorts, and the Hammers will face a tough task trying to replace him.
Credit: Imago/Breaking Media
It’s clear he hasn’t been playing well this season, but it’s undeniable that he has been a breath of fresh air since arriving from Lyon in 2022.
How impressive is Paqueta’s legacy at West Ham?
He played a vital part in the 2023 Europa Conference League win, making 11 appearances and contributing five goals in the tournament.
His assist for Jarrod Bowen’s winning goal will live long in the memory of fans.
In the Premier League, he has registered 26 goal contributions in 110 matches, and he has played in various positions during his time at West Ham.
Paqueta has a fiery temper, and that can get him into trouble at times.
He hasn’t been at the peak of his powers this season, and the way he has forced his exit will certainly tarnish his legacy among a lot of supporters.
But with the move to Flamengo meaning so much to him, plenty of other fans will come to realise that Paqueta deserves the chance to be happy in his home country.
Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.