When Lucas Paqueta scored in West Ham United's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the end of August, he mimicked throwing away a phone. This was to subdue rumors about a potential transfer to Aston Villa.
Hammers fans celebrated Paqueta for this, but now the midfielder is set to leave the London Stadium. BBC Sport has reported that "Flamengo have made a new offer of more than 41m euros (£35.5m) for West Ham forward Lucas Paqueta.
"The latest offer is said to have been made verbally with talks over the protracted deal ongoing before next week's transfer deadline."
Will West Ham United miss Lucas Paqueta?
There is no doubt that Paqueta is a quality player on his day. He may even have been a multiple title winner with Manchester City had it not been for the betting allegations he faced.
This saga had an ongoing effect on Paqueta, and he blamed getting sent off against Liverpool earlier in the season due to this. His return of just four goals with one assist in 18 Premier League games is poor for a player of his quality this campaign.
The Hammers are facing a relegation battle this season and cannot afford to have a luxury player like Paqueta in their roster. He has not been involved in West Ham's last two Premier League matchday squads, which Nuno Espirito Santo's side has won.
Paqueta's versatility of being able to play central, attacking, and left midfield as well as up front made him a useful player for the Hammers. However, West Ham have strengthened this January, bringing in the likes of Taty Castellanos, Pablo, and Kieber Lamadrid. They are still in the relegation zone, but may have the momentum to stay in the Premier League.
A return to his former club, Flamengo, is disappointing for a player of Paqueta's quality who is only 28. He should be in the prime of his career, but the former Lyon and AC Milan player is cutting short his tenure at the highest level of European soccer.
Hammers fans will not forget the magical moments that Paqueta produced for them. He certainly brought some Brazilian flair to the London Stadium. The midfielder also played a crucial role in West Ham's Europa Conference League success in 2023.
It was Paqueta who assisted Jarrod Bowen's winner in the final against Fiorentina. The Europa Conference League victory ended a 43-year major trophy drought for West Ham.