Lucas Paqueta
January 2026
Paqueta said he needed Flamengo after sealing a £36m move back to Brazil, ending a long-running saga and fulfilling his aim to return ahead of the World Cup year. He described repeated contact from Flamengo, said the club supported him during the period of accusations and investigation, and explained he did not want to force an exit while West Ham were backing him and respecting his family.