In the midst of a tumultuous January transfer window, Flamengo's ambitious attempt to bring back their former academy star Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United has hit a significant roadblock. Despite Paqueta's clear desire to return to Brazil and public endorsements from high-profile figures like Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, negotiations between the two clubs have stalled, with insiders describing the deal as "nowhere near being done."
Here's what we know – The saga intensified earlier this month when Flamengo submitted an initial bid of around €35 million (£30 million), which West Ham swiftly rejected. Sources close to the negotiations reveal that the Hammers are holding out for a fee closer to £50 million ($67.2 million) if they are to sanction an immediate departure. Flamengo responded with an improved offer of €40 million, but this too fell short of West Ham's valuation. The Brazilian giants are reportedly preparing another push this week, though they are reluctant to exceed their previous proposal significantly.
Complicating matters further is West Ham's precarious position in the Premier League. Currently battling relegation, the club views Paqueta as indispensable for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has emphasized the midfielder's importance to the squad, and club executives have proposed a compromise: sell Paqueta now but loan him back to the London Stadium until July. Flamengo, however, has rebuffed this idea, insisting on an immediate permanent transfer to integrate him into their lineup without delay.
Tensions escalated when Paqueta reportedly informed West Ham that he no longer wishes to play for the club, even refusing to feature in a recent FA Cup match against QPR. This stance has put additional pressure on the Hammers, who are now in a bind—risk alienating a star player or accept a lower fee to resolve the impasse. Journalist Fabrizio Romano noted that Paqueta's camp is pushing hard for the move, with Flamengo as his "absolute priority."
"There are a series of dealings that take time. We wanted Paqueta here already, and we're working very hard to make that happen." "Flamengo sporting director, Jose Boto
Adding fuel to the fire, Vinicius Junior—Paqueta's Brazil teammate and a former Flamengo player—publicly advocated for the transfer. After Real Madrid's Champions League match against Monaco, Vinicius stated, "I ask my agents—who are also his agents—every day about Paqueta and his move to Flamengo. His happiness is mine, and Flamengo’s happiness is ours. God willing, in the next few days he could close this deal." Despite this optimism, West Ham sources have contradicted these claims, maintaining that no agreement is imminent.
The last words about the deal came from Flamengo's sporting director Jose Boto. "We really want Paqueta and he really wants to come," Boto said. "In negotiations, there's always a third party involved, and that third party isn't very convinced about selling Paqueta. We've made significant progress on this issue, but it's a very difficult operation."
The third party Boto added that the team would need to get creative financially. "These are high evaluations of a player of very high caliber. We have to be patient in negotiating with West Ham. There are a series dealings that take time. We wanted Paqueta here already, and we're working very hard to make that happen."
Flamengo's pursuit isn't without its own hurdles. Earlier attempts in the summer of 2025 to sign him on loan or permanently were also vetoed by West Ham, who at the time had no intention of letting him go. With the Hammers seemingly holding at around 45 - 50 million, Flamengo has gone silent. Leading multiple sources to believe that they are playing a game of chicken.
"They have a transfer window in Brazil that goes until March," said one source. "I know all parties wanted to get something done in January, but no one but the player is in a rush to figure this out."
It would mean Paqueta would have to come back to training and be available for games until both sides can come to terms. While Paqueta has told the team he's played his last match for West Ham, he may have to put the claret and blue kit back on for a little longer. Nuno has expressed on several occasions that he believes Paqueta is his best player and that the squad is better off with him than without him. If the team deem him fit to play and he refuses, West Ham can start fining and withhold salary because he's refusing to honor his contract.
As previously reported in a post titled "Paqueta's Mental Prison" on GSH teams, sources have admitted that Paqueta's anxiety over his issues with the FA has made it almost impossible for him to step foot on the pitch for his team. "The moment he steps on any field during a Premier League match, the anxiety is debilitating," the source said. "He battles massive migraines, a lack of confidence, and paranoia that the FA is watching him at all times."
As the January window draws to a close, the stalemate leaves all parties in limbo. For West Ham, retaining Paqueta could be crucial for survival, but at the cost of squad harmony. Flamengo, meanwhile, may need to either meet the asking price or walk away, potentially revisiting the deal in the summer when Paqueta's value might decrease further amid his contract situation and legal uncertainties. Fans on both sides are left watching anxiously, with social media buzzing over the drama—posts from West Ham supporters express frustration, while Flamengo faithful dream of a homecoming.