West Ham United are facing a critical January transfer window dilemma over the future of their Brazilian midfielder, Lucas Paqueta, as the club battles to avoid the Premier League drop.
Injury Request Amid Transfer Tug-of-War
The situation escalated ahead of the Hammers' FA Cup tie against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, 12th January. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo revealed that the 28-year-old star was "not ready to play" after Paqueta himself asked to be omitted from the squad due to an injury.
This request comes against the backdrop of intense transfer speculation. Paqueta's former club, Brazilian champions Flamengo, are prepared to pay €40 million (approximately £34.7 million) to bring him back to Rio de Janeiro. The player's contract at the London Stadium expires at the end of the 2026/27 season, adding urgency to any potential sale.
Personal Reasons and Past Turmoil Fuel Exit Desire
Paqueta's desire to leave is driven by both personal and professional factors. The player is understood to be disillusioned with life in London and is keen to return to Brazil to bolster his chances of being included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the upcoming World Cup.
His time in England has been marked by significant off-field turmoil. In 2023, a proposed £80 million transfer to Manchester City collapsed at the last minute when the Football Association charged him with spot-fixing. Although he was fully cleared of all charges in July 2025, the episode took a heavy toll.
Paqueta has previously spoken about needing "psychological support" following the failed move and the subsequent investigation. In an interview with Brazilian TV in November 2025, he confirmed he had held talks with Flamengo about a return in each of the previous two summers, stating, "I know that at some point this return will happen."
A High-Stakes Decision for West Ham's Survival Hopes
The decision is fraught with risk for the East London club. Currently sitting 18th in the Premier League and seven points from safety, selling one of their most talented players could infuriate an already disgruntled fanbase and weaken Nuno's squad for a crucial survival fight.
However, Paqueta has struggled to consistently replicate the form of his first season in England. This term, he has scored five goals in all competitions, making him the team's second-top scorer behind Jarrod Bowen. The potential £34.7 million fee could provide vital funds for squad reinforcement in a pivotal January window.
The club's stance, for now, is to resist a sale. But with the player's clear desire to depart and a substantial offer on the table, West Ham's hierarchy must weigh short-term survival needs against long-term financial and squad planning, all while managing the morale of a key but unsettled asset.
