Lucas Paqueta is finally heading back to Brazil. The West Ham midfielder has been given the green light to complete a move to Flamengo, bringing an end to a difficult chapter in London.
Flamengo are paying around £35 million for the 28-year-old, who actually started his professional career at the Rio de Janeiro club back in 2016. It's a homecoming that Paqueta has been desperate to make happen.
West Ham initially wanted him to stick around until the end of the season. The Hammers are fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and losing a player of Paqueta's quality mid-season is a massive blow. But the Brazilian put in a transfer request and made it clear his mind was made up.
Why the Rush to Leave?
The timing isn't random. Paqueta endured a brutal two-year investigation by the Football Association over alleged gambling rule breaches. He was only cleared in July 2025, but the mental toll was significant.
West Ham's statement said Paqueta cited "personal and family reasons" for wanting to return home. After everything he's been through, you can understand why he'd want a fresh start. The club tried hard to convince him to stay, but he wasn't budging.
For punters keeping an eye on West Ham's relegation battle, this is huge news. Losing Paqueta weakens their squad considerably at a critical time. Their odds to go down will likely shorten as a result.
What Flamengo Are Getting
Flamengo are absolutely buzzing about this signing. They called it "a historic move" and "a market landmark in world soccer." That's not just hype - bringing back a player of Paqueta's caliber from the Premier League is massive for Brazilian football.
Reports say he's signed a five-year deal. In his first stint at Flamengo, Paqueta played 95 matches and scored 18 goals. Now he's returning to a club that won both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league last year.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Paqueta will be hoping regular football at Flamengo keeps him sharp for Brazil. It's a win-win situation for him - back home, playing for a top club, and positioning himself for international duty.
