Flamengo Pursues Lucas Paquetá Amid West Ham’s Stance

Flamengo is making progress in negotiations with West Ham regarding the potential acquisition of midfielder Lucas Paquetá. However, sources close to ESPN indicate that the Brazilian international is expected to remain with the London club until the conclusion of the season.

Paquetá, who has 18 months remaining on his contract with West Ham, has expressed a desire to return to Brazil during this transfer window. Nonetheless, he would only be allowed to depart this month if Flamengo agrees to West Ham’s asking price of £50 million ($67.2 million), which ESPN sources suggest is unlikely to materialize.

West Ham is open to accepting Flamengo’s offer of €40 million (£35 million) for Paquetá, provided that the transfer is postponed until July. The 28-year-old midfielder had already reached an agreement on personal terms with Flamengo last month. If both clubs finalize the transfer, he is set to sign a four-year contract with the Rio de Janeiro-based team.

According to ESPN sources, West Ham’s coach, Nuno Espírito Santo, is opposed to Paquetá’s departure mid-season, viewing him as an indispensable starter and a crucial asset in their battle against relegation.

When asked about Paquetá’s situation prior to Saturday’s league match against Tottenham, Nuno stated, “I think it’s a situation all of us at the club have to solve. We always want our best players to be involved, and Lucas is one of our best players, so let’s try to solve the situation. My job is to get the best out of all the players.”

Paquetá joined West Ham in the summer of 2022 from Lyon and has contributed four goals and one assist in 18 Premier League appearances this season. Currently, West Ham sits at 18th place in the league standings, one position and seven points away from safety.