Lucas Paquetá Transfer: Flamengo Seal Move From West Ham For USD 48.9 Million

Lucas Paqueta is set to leave West Ham after the club agreed a permanent transfer fee with Flamengo, allowing the Brazil international to return to Rio de Janeiro and undergo a medical with the Copa Libertadores champions ahead of a proposed move.

West Ham confirms Paqueta has permission to travel and discuss personal terms after a deal worth a reported $48.9m (35.8m) was reached, with the playmaker having scored four Premier League goals and supplied one assist before last featuring in the 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest on January 6.

West Ham United can confirm that Lucas Paquet has been given permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo, after a fee was agreed for his permanent transfer.West Ham United (@WestHam)

January 28, 2026

Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 and has since become a regular starter, playing 139 matches in all competitions, with 124 starts, and contributing to West Ham’s 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph, which delivered a major trophy for the club.

Flamengo’s interest has been public for some time, with the club’s president stating earlier this week that negotiations for Paqueta were close to completion, and the Brazilian giants have now moved to bring the former youth player back following their recent Copa Libertadores success.

A West Ham statement explained the reasons behind Paqueta’s decision and referred to the impact of a long disciplinary process, noting how events away from the pitch affected the midfielder’s well-being during the past two years at the London club: "Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolveda situation that caused him significant mental strain. Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave. Therefore, the head coach and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request. West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the club and, in particular, over the past two and a half years. "

The agreement with Flamengo brings an end to West Ham’s attempts to retain Paqueta, after the club recognised the player’s firm stance on leaving, and the statement also underlined gratitude towards everyone connected with West Ham who supported Paqueta during the drawn-out FA case.

Once the medical and personal terms are completed, Paqueta is expected to close a West Ham spell that featured regular appearances and a European trophy, while Flamengo prepares to reintegrate a Brazil international who wishes to restart a career back in familiar surroundings.