West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta has reportedly informed the club that he wishes to depart the club for Flamengo – with personal terms being agreed with the Brazilian outfit.
The Hammers were believed to have administered a coup when they landed Paqueta from Lyon, and the playmaker did help the club to a Europa Conference League title in 2023 after producing a late assist for current skipper Jarrod Bowen.
However, whilst his form has not been great in recent months, it would be a blow to lose him – and reports have suggested that Paqueta has informed the club that he wishes to depart for Flamengo in the January transfer window.
Romano: Lucas Paqueta Wants to Leave West Ham, Deal ‘Open’
The report by esteemed journalist Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter) states that Paqueta has informed the Hammers of his willingness to depart, and with the midfielder agreeing on the terms set out in a potential new deal, Flamengo are set for new talks with the Hammers, who are beleaguered and sat towards the bottom of the top-flight table.
However, the big turning point is that the Brazilian giants feel that the Hammers will open the door to a potential exit, despite Nuno Espirito Santo needing to rely upon the Brazil international to lead the east London outfit to survival.
GIVEMESPORT sources also revealed earlier in the day that Paqueta was pushing for a move to Flamengo, though he hasn’t gone on strike, turning up to training as normal on Wednesday morning.
He is struggling with a back issue at present, and although he may not feature against Tottenham, alongside Flamengo having a €40million (£34million) bid rejected, the wheels appear to be in motion for a return to his homeland.
Paqueta Exit Could be Nail in the Coffin for West Ham’s Premier League Hopes
Although the Hammers would earn good money for their Samba star, his departure would almost certainly signal the end of West Ham’s top-flight spell.
It’s been 14 years since the Hammers were last promoted, garnering six top half finishes, a European trophy, multiple continental campaigns and even a stadium change in that time, becoming a part of the Premier League’s furniture.
However, they lack real game changers, and most importantly, they lack goals. Only Paqueta, Bowen and Callum Wilson boast more than two strikes in the league, and if Paqueta goes, it will be a huge blow to any creativity given just how important he is for Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Hammers have struggled with Bowen and Paqueta in their forward ranks and should one of the duo depart, it could signal a sorry end to their top-flight hopes.