Lucas Paqueta: The West Ham midfielder completes his £35.5m move to Flamengo

With this step, Paqueta fulfilled his long-held ambition to return to his native Brazil.

He had previously looked settled in English football, having been the subject of an £80m bid from Manchester City in 2023. However, accusations of alleged match-fixing led to the deal falling apart, threatening his career and contributing to a decline in form.

Those close to Paqueta say his mental health suffered, he lost confidence in the English football authorities and began to look forward to returning to his homeland.

Amid links with Flamengo in late December 2024, he adapted a song, Vem Me Buscar, by Brazilian gospel duo Jefferson & Swellin’. The lyrics are translated as follows: “I’m not from here, I’m going home, he comes to take me with him and I’ll go.”

Although Paqueta eventually cleared his name, he continued to push for a return to Brazil.

Negotiations between West Ham and Flamengo began on December 23, led by sporting director Jose Boto, and ended on January 28. Flamengo were initially asked to pay around £52m, but the price was negotiated down to £35.5m, a record fee paid by a Brazilian club.

West Ham were willing to be flexible on the price, but wanted Paqueta to stay on loan until the end of the season to help them avoid relegation. However, he felt he had overstayed his stay in London, and his representatives secured his return to Rio de Janeiro.

As time goes on, Paqueta will likely be remembered fondly at West Ham, having helped them win the Europa League, remained an active Brazil international during his time and played a key role in one of the club’s strongest squads in recent years under former manager David Moyes.