Lucas Paqueta is open to leaving West Ham United this winter, GMS understands. The Brazilian was left out of Sunday’s FA Cup third round victory over Queens Park Rangers, and he was also linked with a move away over the summer.
Yet Paqueta affirmed his commitment to West Ham in August after scoring against Nottingham Forest and making a gesture of throwing away a phone before kissing the club badge.
Paqueta Keen to Return to Brazil
The Brazilian is now keen to return to his homeland after three-and-a-half years at West Ham. Tottenham and Aston Villa hold a historical interest, and Spurs will likely push to add a midfielder in January as Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to need surgery on a hamstring injury and set to miss three months.
Although a new approach for Paqueta can’t be discounted, it’s believed the 28-year-old prefers a switch to Flamengo after they made a €40m offer, but the Hammers have turned down the bid from the Brazilian club. West Ham would also prefer to sell Paqueta outside of the Premier League if he departs.
Paqueta, who has scored four goals this season, revealed his desire to join Filipe Luis’ side in November, but remained at the London Stadium out of loyalty to the Hammers, who supported him during his ban for alleged spot fixing. An FA investigation later cleared him of the charges.
Paqueta Reveals Passion to Return to Flamengo
“I know of Flamengo’s desire [to sign me], and they know of my desire [to join] and my passion for the club,” Paqueta told Brazilian outlet Globo last year. “As soon as I was accused, and the whole trial process was about to begin [the then Flamengo vice-president] Marcos Braz came to my house, made an offer and asked what I thought. Obviously, I have always wanted to go back to Flamengo, but at that moment I was still a bit undecided about my decision, about what I was going to do.
“I also talked to the West Ham directors and said to Braz, ‘I want to go back, I know I’ll feel good at Flamengo, but I can’t be ungrateful to the club that’s supporting me so much.’ They supported me a lot at all times, helped me in various situations, so I couldn’t force an exit from a place where I was being welcomed and respected.”
GMS understands Paqueta is still in touch with Flamengo boss Luis and the Brazilian side could now reignite their interest.
West Ham are open to a sale knowing Paqueta’s position, but ideally want to keep him until at least the end of the season.
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