adminFew West Ham supporters would be faulted for feeling relatively relaxed about Lucas Paquetá’s looming exit from the London Stadium.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that the Brazilian midfielder is set to return to Flamengo, with West Ham United reluctantly sanctioning his departure. While Paquetá is undoubtedly a gifted footballer at his best, the Hammers have shown in recent weeks that they can cope without him. There has also long been debate over whether his profile truly suits the demands of a relegation fight.
Still, it is disappointing to see his spell in east London draw to a close in such circumstances.
Over in Brazil, however, the mood could not be more different, with Flamengo making no secret of their delight.
Flamengo hail Lucas Paquetá return as “historic”
On Wednesday evening, Flamengo’s official X account shared a video message from Paquetá addressed to the club’s supporters. Alongside it came a lengthy club statement, describing the transfer as both a “historic move” and a “landmark in the global football market.”
“Lucas Paquetá is coming back home. Back to Flamengo,” the statement read.
“A historic move. A landmark in the global football market, on the scale of Flamengo. This only becomes possible because so many people are walking together.
“Thank you to our sponsors, who invest in Flamengo, believe in the project, and played a key role in making this return happen. Thank you to our Fan Members, who strengthen the club every day.
“And above all, thank you to the Red-and-Black Nation, who push, believe, and turn dreams into reality. Paquetá is coming back. The good son returns home. This moment belongs to you too.”
While such language may sound overly dramatic to English audiences, it makes far more sense when viewed through a Brazilian lens.
It remains rare for clubs in Brazil’s domestic league to lure players away from the Premier League, largely due to the significant financial gap between the competitions. Money may not be the sole factor behind Paquetá’s decision, but it undoubtedly plays a role.
Flamengo’s recent participation in the Club World Cup could also be significant. Despite the tournament’s controversy, it may have helped provide the financial platform for a deal of this scale.
Paquetá’s move could even pave the way for other Premier League players to consider similar returns in the future.
How much Flamengo are paying West Ham for Lucas Paquetá
The transfer represents a major financial commitment for Flamengo, who have almost doubled their previous club-record fee. That record stood at around £19 million, paid for Samuel Lino from Atlético Madrid in July 2025.
From a Brazilian perspective, there is no doubt this is a blockbuster signing.
Flamengo will pay West Ham £38 million for Paquetá, spread across two instalments — a fee that should significantly strengthen the Hammers’ finances.
The focus now turns to whether West Ham can reinvest any of that money before the January transfer window closes.
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