Lucas Paqueta could reportedly leave West Ham in January as Flamengo eye an ambitious swoop for their former star. [Bolavip reports] that Flamengo’s technical director José Boto is leading the charge to bring Paqueta home, maintaining regular contact with his representatives to make the reunion happen.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
A Flamengo academy graduate, Paqueta made 95 senior appearances for the Rio giants before joining AC Milan in 2019. The club view his return as the completion of a long-held dream, and sources close to the board say Paqueta has told friends he wants to finish his career at Flamengo.
Finances are said to be no obstacle. The Brazilian club have banked around €15 million from recent sales and are confident they can afford a permanent deal, seeing Paqueta as a statement signing for their domestic and continental ambitions.
Behind the scenes, Paqueta is reportedly frustrated by West Ham’s lack of progress. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he wants to compete regularly at the top level, whether with a Champions League side or back in Brazil.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
Flamengo, however, could face competition from Premier League clubs. Aston Villa were previously close to agreeing a £47 million package, while Tottenham are also monitoring the situation after missing out on Eberechi Eze.
Paqueta’s situation follows one of the most turbulent chapters of his career. Cleared in July 2025 of FA spot-fixing allegations that derailed his 2023 move to Manchester City, the midfielder was fully exonerated by an independent commission. The judgment criticised the FA’s reliance on its own integrity officer and lack of independent expert evidence.
Paqueta’s lawyer, Alistair Campbell, told the Daily Mail: “It’s certainly something that is at the forefront of our minds… He definitely feels aggrieved. The judgment comprehensively exonerates him, so the ultimate decision will rest with Lucas, but we will certainly be exploring all possibilities.”
As speculation builds, Paqueta’s next move could define the rest of his career whether chasing Champions League glory or returning home to reclaim his throne at Flamengo.