Wonder goals, almost 100 games and false 9: how Paquetá’s first Flamengo spell unfolded | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá has returned to Flamengo at 28, keeping the promise he made when he left in 2018.

According to Globo.com, he joins from West Ham for 42 million euros, a record for the club and Brazil. He landed in Rio on Thursday, completed medicals and signed until the end of 2030.

After shining in the 2016 Copinha, he stepped up at 18 under Muricy Ramalho. He debuted on 5 March in a 3-1 win over Bangu, then largely watched on due to midfield competition.

In 2017 under Zé Ricardo he found rhythm. His first goal was a long-range strike in a 4-0 over Madureira, the next a free-kick in a 5-1 over Portuguesa.

Reinaldo Rueda then used him as a centre forward in the Copa do Brasil final first leg against Cruzeiro. He scored in a 1-1 draw, but Cruzeiro won on penalties. He also struck in the Sudamericana final, another 1-1 against Independiente.

In early 2018 alongside Vini Jr he flourished under Maurício Barbieri as Flamengo led the Brasileiro and he earned Tite’s trust with Brazil.

Form dipped after Vini’s departure. He was booed in a defeat to Ceará, then missed a late chance against Palmeiras before joining Milan for 35 million euros.

His first spell finished at 96 appearances, 18 goals and seven assists. A trophy could come immediately, with Flamengo facing Corinthians on Sunday at Mané Garrincha in the Supercopa do Brasil. The club have until Friday to register him.

Source: Globo.com