Flamengo confirms record transfer of Lucas Paquetá: ‘A significant transaction’
Flamengo has announced the return of Lucas Paquetá to the club, with the Brazilian midfielder making a permanent move from West Ham United.
Following weeks of discussions, Flamengo settled on a transfer fee of £35.8m ($49.4m) according to ESPN sources, establishing Paquetá as the most costly player ever acquired by a Brazilian club.
“Lucas Paquetá is coming home,” Flamengo stated in an announcement.
“Returning to Flamengo. A historic transfer. A significant moment in the global football market, comparable to Flamengo… We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, who invest in Flamengo, believe in the project, and contributed to making this return a reality… and, most importantly, thank you to the Flamengo Nation, who support, believe, and turn dreams into reality.”
West Ham had hoped Paquetá would remain until the season’s conclusion to assist in the club’s fight against relegation from the Premier League.
Nevertheless, Paquetá, who had 18 months remaining on his contract, expressed a desire to return to Brazil prior to the World Cup.
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“I am very pleased to come back home,” Paquetá, 28, stated in a video shared on his Instagram. “I want to express my gratitude to the Flamengo president, Flamengo, and their sponsors. Naturally, I also wish to thank the fans who made this dream of returning a reality.”
Paquetá departed Flamengo in 2018 for AC Milan. The Brazil international, who joined the east London club in the summer of 2022 from Lyon, has experienced a challenging period in England.
He was the focus of an extensive FA investigation regarding alleged violations of gambling regulations, which concluded last year with his exoneration.
The attacking midfielder, who netted four goals and provided one assist in 18 Premier League matches this season, bid farewell to West Ham on social media before heading to his home country on Wednesday.
He is anticipated to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday, where he will undergo a medical examination before finalizing a contract with Flamengo until December 2029.
