West Ham United are prepared to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if a deal includes him being loaned back for the rest of the season, a condition meeting resistance from Flamengo. The Brazilian club saw an opening €35m bid rejected and are willing to increase their offer to around €40m, but are reluctant to agree to a loan-back, believing they could secure Paquetá more cheaply in the summer.
West Ham are battling relegation and fear losing one of their most talented players would severely damage their survival hopes. Paquetá, however, has made it clear he wants to return to Brazil after a difficult period in England. Although cleared last year of spot-fixing allegations, the investigation derailed a proposed move to Manchester City in 2023 and is understood to have taken a significant emotional toll.
The midfielder, signed from Olympique Lyonnais for £51m in 2022, has struggled for consistency since the investigation emerged. He has reported a minor injury and is a doubt for Saturday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo admits the situation must be resolved quickly, stressing Paquetá remains one of the club’s best players.
Selling Paquetá would free funds for defensive reinforcements as West Ham seek to address their poor defensive record, but Flamengo’s stance leaves the deal uncertain with the Brazilian transfer window remaining open until March.
