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.
Lucas Paqueta
January 2026
West Ham and Flamengo have reportedly agreed a transfer for Paqueta worth €42 million, described as a Brazilian Serie A record, with a five-year deal lined up. Fee to be paid in instalments to manage Flamengo cash flow; Paqueta was left out of recent squads amid uncertainty and is expected to have already played his last match for West Ham.
Lucas Paqueta
January 2026
Paqueta reportedly asked not to be selected for the QPR cup match and is pushing for a transfer, with Flamengo prepared to bid around €40m. He is said to be disillusioned after a long betting-investigation saga (cleared in 2025) and wants to return to Brazil; West Ham are reluctant mid-relegation battle but may be forced if he insists.
Danny Welbeck
December 2025
Danny Welbeck was criticised online after missing a Panenka penalty that hit the crossbar in Brighton’s 2-2 draw at West Ham. He scored Brighton’s first penalty, then failed to convert a second moments later, swinging momentum. West Ham led through Jarrod Bowen before Welbeck equalised from the spot. Welbeck’s missed Panenka was punished when Lucas Paqueta scored a penalty before halftime, but Joel Veltman’s second-half goal rescued a point for Brighton.
Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil)
November 2025
Brazil finished 2025 frustrated after a 1-1 draw with Tunisia, wasting clear chances and needing an Estevao Willian penalty to cancel out Hazem Mastouri’s opener, before Lucas Paqueta fired a second spot kick over and squandered the chance to seal a comeback win. Carlo Ancelotti said Paqueta was the designated taker and he moved the responsibility from Estevao Willian, to ease pressure on the youngster, while stressing he remains confident in a serious, united squad that must navigate a demanding schedule before the 2026 World Cup.
Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United)
October 2025
Flamengo are mounting an ambitious push to re-sign academy graduate Lucas Paquetá, with sporting director José Boto in contact with his camp. The Brazilian club believe they can finance a permanent deal and bring the midfielder home after his clearing of a long-running betting-allegation case.
Paquetá, frustrated by West Ham’s lack of progress, is open to a move that restores top-level competition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While Flamengo see him as a marquee signing, Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham may yet intervene. The player’s legal team is considering action against the FA for reputational damage caused by the dropped charges.
Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United)
July 2025
Lucas Paquetá is expected to be cleared of spot-fixing charges, paving the way for a summer transfer.
West Ham are now willing to accept offers around £30m—less than half of their original valuation. Flamengo are among the clubs showing strong interest.