West Ham United are grappling with a significant January transfer dilemma surrounding their Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is pushing for a return to his former club Flamengo.
The Transfer Tug-of-War Intensifies
The situation escalated when manager Nuno Espirito Santo revealed Paqueta was "not ready to play" in Sunday's FA Cup tie against Queens Park Rangers. It is understood the 28-year-old requested to be omitted from the squad due to an injury, but this comes amid intense speculation over his future.
Brazilian champions Flamengo are prepared to pay €40 million (£34.7 million) to bring the player back to Rio de Janeiro. With Paqueta's contract expiring at the end of the 2026/27 season, this January window represents a critical decision point for the East London club.
Personal Reasons and Professional Ambitions
Paqueta's desire to depart is driven by both personal and professional factors. Sources close to the player indicate he has become disillusioned with life in London and is keen to return to his homeland. A major professional motivation is to solidify his place in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup.
The midfielder has previously spoken about the psychological impact of his failed £80 million transfer to Manchester City in August 2023, which collapsed after he was charged by the FA for alleged spot-fixing. Although he was fully cleared of all charges in July 2025, he admitted to needing psychological support following the ordeal.
In a November interview with Brazilian TV, Paqueta confirmed he had held talks with Flamengo about a return in each of the last two summers, stating, "I understood that it wasn't the right time, but I know the doors will always be open for me. I know that at some point this return will happen."
West Ham's Relegation Battle Complicates Decision
For West Ham, the timing could hardly be worse. The club currently sits 18th in the Premier League table, seven points from safety, and faces a crucial London derby against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. Selling one of their most talented players in the midst of a relegation dogfight would be a huge risk and likely infuriate an already disgruntled fanbase.
Despite inconsistent form since his impressive first season in England, Paqueta remains a key figure. He is the team's second-top scorer this season with five goals, behind only Jarrod Bowen. His sale, however, would free up significant funds for Nuno Espirito Santo to reinvest in his squad during the current transfer window.
The club's predicament is stark: refuse to sell and risk keeping an unhappy player, or accept a substantial offer for a crucial asset when points are desperately needed. The outcome of this high-stakes transfer standoff will have major implications for both the player's career and West Ham's Premier League survival hopes.
