Lucas Paquetá absent as West Ham beat Sunderland but remain in drop zone

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·24 January 2026

Lucas Paquetá absent as West Ham beat Sunderland but remain in drop zone

West Ham beat Sunderland 3-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, playing without Lucas Paquetá, yet remain in the relegation zone on 22 points.

According to Coluna Do Fla, Paquetá has told West Ham he no longer intends to play for the London club as he targets a Flamengo return this season.

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Flamengo have submitted a bid of 35 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses, worth roughly R$ 217 million and R$ 31 million respectively, which West Ham rejected as talks continue.

Paquetá’s priority is Flamengo. He has agreed salary terms and will sign a four-year contract, with the focus now on securing his release from West Ham.

While negotiations continue, Flamengo turn to their meeting with Fluminense on Sunday, the fourth round of the Campeonato Carioca, set for 18:00 Brasília time at the Maracanã.

Source: Coluna Do Fla