West Ham United are set for a major squad upheaval with the news that star midfielder Lucas Paqueta will not play for the club again after the current campaign concludes. This comes as the Hammers prepare to turn down a substantial £26 million offer from Brazilian giants Flamengo for the player's services this January.
Midfielder's Desire to Depart Amid Relegation Fight
The Brazilian international, who was absent from the squad for the recent FA Cup third-round victory over Queens Park Rangers, is reportedly eager to secure a move away from the London Stadium this month. His desire to leave presents a significant dilemma for the club, which finds itself embroiled in a tense Premier League relegation battle.
West Ham currently sit seven points adrift of safety in 17th place, with 17 crucial games remaining. Their immediate focus is on a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday, followed by fixtures against Sunderland and Chelsea. The potential loss of a key creative force like Paqueta in the midst of this fight is a scenario the club's hierarchy is keen to avoid.
Flamengo's Pursuit and Premier League Interest
According to reports from Sky Sports News, Flamengo are ready to formalise their long-standing interest with a concrete £26 million bid. It is understood that Paqueta is willing to accept a reduction in salary to facilitate a return to his homeland. This follows an approach from the Rio de Janeiro-based club in the summer of 2025, which the player declined out of loyalty to West Ham.
Paqueta acknowledged the previous contact, stating, "I know of Flamengo's desire, and they know of my desire, my passion for the club." He credited West Ham's unwavering support during a nearly two-year FA investigation into spot-fixing allegations, from which he was cleared in July 2025, as a key reason for staying previously.
However, the landscape has now shifted. Despite Flamengo's strong interest, West Ham are poised to reject their £26 million offer, deeming it insufficient for a player of Paqueta's calibre, especially during a critical period. Furthermore, the situation is complicated by interest from two unnamed Premier League clubs, who are also exploring a deal this month.
An Inevitable Summer Departure Looms
Regardless of the outcome of the January transfer window, the relationship between player and club appears to be reaching its conclusion. Sky Sports has reported that the upcoming match against Tottenham could be one of Paqueta's final appearances in a West Ham shirt, with an exit deemed inevitable when the season ends.
Paqueta remains the club's record signing, having joined from Lyon for £51 million in 2022. His contract runs until the summer of 2027, with an option for a further 12-month extension held by the club. His impending departure, whether this month or in the summer, marks the end of a significant, if sometimes turbulent, chapter for both the player and the East London club, as they navigate on-pitch survival and off-pitch restructuring.
