West Ham United are prepared to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the deal includes a loan back to the club for the rest of the season, a condition that has met resistance from Flamengo. The Brazilian side have seen an opening €35m bid rejected and are considering increasing their offer to around €40m, but are reluctant to loan Paquetá back, believing they could secure him for a lower fee in the summer.
Paquetá has made clear his desire to return to Brazil after a difficult period in England. Although cleared of spot-fixing allegations last year, the investigation derailed a potential move to Manchester City in 2023 and is understood to have taken a heavy emotional toll. West Ham, meanwhile, are battling relegation and fear losing one of their most talented players could worsen their situation, with the club currently seven points below 17th place.
The former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder has struggled for form since the investigation emerged and recently asked to be left out of the FA Cup win over Queens Park Rangers. A minor injury now leaves him doubtful for Saturday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has acknowledged the urgency of resolving Paquetá’s future, stressing the need for a solution that works for both club and player.
Selling Paquetá would significantly boost West Ham’s transfer budget as they seek defensive reinforcements, having failed to keep a clean sheet since August. However, Flamengo’s stance on a loan-back clause threatens to stall negotiations, leaving the midfielder’s future uncertain as the Brazilian transfer window remains open until March.
