Lucas Paqueta transfer news: West Ham midfielder set for Flamengo after £36.5m deal agreed
Lucas Paqueta set to return to Brazil and join Flamengo in £36.5m deal after move agreed with West Ham, Paqueta had told Hammers of his wishes earlier this month after three and a half years at club and has now been given permission to fly to Brazil to complete the deal
Wednesday 28 January 2026 20:43, UK
West Ham have confirmed midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been given permission to fly to Brazil to complete a medical ahead of a proposed £36.5m transfer to Flamengo after a deal was agreed between the two clubs.
Two Premier League clubs also wanted to sign Paqueta this month, but his heart was set on returning to Brazil and told the Hammers of his wishes earlier this month.
Paqueta had a contract with West Ham until the summer of 2027, and they had the option of extending his deal by another 12 months.
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West Ham say they did "everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay" but the midfielder made "adamant" his desire to leave the club.
In a statement, they added: "Therefore, the head coach and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request."
The club go on to thank fans and the club hierarchy for the support they have shown Paqueta during his spell in east London.
Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing charges in July after a two-year investigation, which threatened to end his career.
Earlier on Wednesday, West Ham completed the signing of Adama Traore from Fulham, reuniting the winger with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse is undergoing a medical ahead of a loan move to Burnley until the end of the season.
Paqueta cites mental health as reason for West Ham departure
Paqueta has revealed he refused offers from European clubs to return to his former club Flamengo in a bid to improve his "mental health" and "regain peace".
"These have been unique, memorable moments in my life so far," he said in a social media statement.
"Some days were happy, others not so much. But I always tried to be my best self and we all know why that's no longer possible.
"Some scars I'll carry for the rest of my life and one made me realise I can't keep on fighting against something that's no longer for me.
"Yes, I refused offers from other rivals to stay in Europe. I never asked to leave. I did ask to return home and I hope someday you understand that nothing is more comforting than going back home.
"I need this! For my mental health, my wife and my children. I just need to find joy in football again and regain my peace.
"I realised that here I'd still need to fight battles that aren't mine anymore. It was never about the club's current situation.
"When I first arrived, we faced similar challenges and ultimately won a title that will forever be part of history.
"I know some won't remember me fondly, and I'm sorry, but that pass to Bowen came from someone who stayed true to his dream.
"I'm going home, but I'll always support you."
How Flamengo can afford Paqueta
Analysis by Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol:
Flamengo are turning football on its head by signing a Brazilian international still in his prime from a Premier League club for £36.5m.
Flamengo are the champions of Brazil and the champions of South America.
Their revenue last year was £216.4m, which makes them as rich as many Premier League clubs.
They also earned £20m from playing in last summer's expanded Club World Cup where they beat eventual winners Chelsea in the group stages.
They also made about £60m from player sales, a traditional source of income for Brazilian clubs.
Private investors putting money into Brazilian clubs also means the top clubs are able to buy players from abroad rather than just sell their prized assets.
Paqueta only wanted to return to Flamengo, the club where he spent 12 years from when he was 10.
Flamengo's league season starts on Thursday and soon Paqueta will be able to swap the London Stadium for the world-famous Maracana; and the lower reaches of the Premier League for life at the top of the Campeonato Serie A.
