The Brazilian international is edging closer to return to his boyhood club Flamengo
Lucas Paquetá has reached an agreement with Flamengo on personal terms, paving the way for a potential return to his boyhood club as his future at West Ham United looks increasingly uncertain.
The 27-year-old midfielder is now open to leaving the Premier League, with negotiations progressing after Flamengo made Paquetá a priority target ahead of the next transfer window.
While no agreement has yet been finalised between the clubs, Fabrizio Romano has reported that personal terms have already been agreed.
A disappointing season so far
Paquetá’s situation comes at a turbulent time for West Ham. The club are enduring a disastrous campaign, sitting in the relegation zone and increasingly heading towards the Championship. Results have deteriorated sharply, and confidence within the squad has visibly suffered as the season has progressed.
For Paquetá, the prospect of remaining at a struggling side fighting relegation appears far less appealing than returning to a club competing for major honours in South America.
The Brazil international has also endured a difficult period off the pitch. His long-running betting case, which was ultimately resolved in his favour, is understood to have taken a psychological toll.
Reports indicated that the investigation and uncertainty surrounding his future caused significant stress, impacting both his wellbeing and performances.
Those close to Paquetá believe a return to Brazil could offer the midfielder greater stability and comfort, particularly after several intense years in Europe with AC Milan, Lyon and West Ham.
World Cup considerations and Flamengo appeal
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Paquetá’s next move is also being shaped by international ambitions. Regular football at a successful club could strengthen his standing with Brazil, especially compared to featuring for a West Ham side battling at the wrong end of the Premier League table.
Flamengo offer a markedly different environment. The Rio de Janeiro club are perennial title contenders, regularly competing for trophies both at home and on the continent.
Their recent Copa Libertadores glory highlights the level of the Brazilian club, and the prospect of working alongside Filipe Luis is yet another factor in the deal.
Playing for a winning team, in familiar surroundings, could reflect positively on Paquetá’s form and mindset heading into a crucial year for his international career.
Paquetá began his professional career at Flamengo before moving to Europe in 2019, and a return would carry strong emotional significance. The midfielder has never hidden his affection for the club and has previously spoken about the possibility of going back later in his career.
Although Paquetá remains in what should be his peak years in Europe, the combination of West Ham’s collapse, personal strain from the betting case and the lure of a leading role at Flamengo appears to be driving his decision.