Paqueta Chooses Flamengo Return After Premier League Interest
Lucas Paqueta has completed his long anticipated move from West Ham to Flamengo, sealing a £36.5 million transfer despite interest from two Premier League heavyweights. The Brazilian playmaker leaves English football after making it clear that a return to his boyhood club was his priority, even as Chelsea and Tottenham explored potential deals.
The move ends months of speculation around Paqueta’s future, with the 28-year-old departing east London as one of West Ham’s most productive players this season. His four Premier League goals came during a difficult campaign for the Hammers, but his influence remained evident until his final weeks at the club.
Paqueta’s desire to return to Rio de Janeiro had been evident for some time. The midfielder had spoken openly about Flamengo earlier in the season, acknowledging contact between both parties during a period when he was also dealing with an FA investigation that ultimately cleared him of wrongdoing. That episode stalled earlier interest from Manchester City and shaped the timing of his eventual exit.
The context surrounding the transfer explains its significance. Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 for around £50 million and went on to play 139 matches, scoring 23 goals and registering 15 assists. He was instrumental in the club’s historic Europa Conference League triumph in 2023, providing the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s winning goal in the final.
As the season progressed, the atmosphere around Paqueta’s future became increasingly clear. He was absent from West Ham’s most recent fixtures, while Flamengo supporters openly anticipated his return. For Paqueta, the emotional pull of his first club outweighed the appeal of remaining in Europe.
Key developments emerged once the transfer was close to completion. Paqueta revealed that Chelsea and Tottenham both made enquiries through his representatives, reigniting Premier League interest that had cooled after last year’s investigation. Despite that attention, his stance remained unchanged.
The decisive moment came when Flamengo formalised their move. Paqueta made it known that discussions with English clubs were secondary, reinforcing that his focus was solely on returning home. The deal was finalised on Friday, bringing an end to his Premier League chapter.
West Ham confirmed the transfer in a brief statement, thanking Paqueta for his contribution and highlighting his role in their European success. The club stopped short of offering extensive comment, reflecting a departure that had been expected but still carried weight.
For Paqueta, the move marks a reset. Flamengo gain a player entering his prime with elite European experience, while West Ham close the book on one of the most talented midfielders in their modern history. The story now shifts to Brazil, where Paqueta returns not just as a former academy product, but as a player shaped by the highest level of the European game.