Record €42m Move Sends Paquetá Back to Flamengo, Ending His European Chapter
28 January 2026
Record transfer seals Paquetá's Flamengo return
The Brazilian star Lucas Paquetá, West Ham United's creative midfielder, is closing in on a return to Flamengo during the ongoing winter window.
Fabrizio Romano, the transfer expert, posted on X: "Breaking... Paquetá's move to Flamengo is completed in a record €42 million deal."
He added: West Ham agreed to the proposal after direct contact today with Jose Botto, Flamengo's director, and Paquetá will travel to Brazil later today.
What the deal means and past concerns
Romano also stated that Paquetá will sign a five-year contract and return home. Paquetá, who has 18 months left on his West Ham deal, has already agreed personal terms with Flamengo.
The English FA had previously opened an investigation into betting involving Paquetá in August 2023, blocking a reported £80 million move to Manchester City and a title challenge under Pep Guardiola.
Paquetá, a Brazil international who joined West Ham in 2022 from Lyon, has four goals and one assist in 18 Premier League appearances this season.
The move to Flamengo could reset his European chapter as he prepares to travel to Brazil soon and link up with Flamengo once the mercato closes.
Punchline 1: The transfer window was so fast Paquetá had to sign his passport at the border.
Punchline 2: Paquetá’s luggage traveled faster than his soccer ball—homecoming edition, coming soon to a stadium near you.
