Saga ends: Flamengo set to announce Lucas Paquetá's return

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Gazeta Esportiva.com

·28 January 2026

Saga ends: Flamengo set to announce Lucas Paquetá's return

After a long period of negotiations, Flamengo finally reached an agreement with West Ham this Wednesday and secured the return of Lucas Paquetá, seven years after his departure from the club.

The Rubro-Negro will pay 42 million euros for the player (about 260 million reais), making it the most expensive player purchase in the history of Brazilian football. 30% of the amount will be paid upfront, and the rest will be paid in installments until 2028.

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The expectation is that Paquetá will fly to Rio de Janeiro later this Wednesday to sign a five-year contract with the Gávea club. On social media, Flamengo is already preparing the athlete’s announcement, posting enigmatic messages such as AMC (Ai meu coração, referring to the arrival of midfielder Diego Ribas in 2016).

Farewell

The player, on his social media, posted a farewell and thank you video to West Ham where he states “I asked to come back home”; watch:

See this photo on Instagram A post shared by Lucas Paquetá (@lucaspaqueta)

The English club announced that the player was cleared to undergo medical exams and discuss terms with Flamengo after an agreement was reached between the clubs.

“West Ham United confirms that Lucas Paquetá has been authorized to undergo medical examinations and discuss personal terms with the Brazilian club Flamengo, after a transfer fee was agreed for his permanent move. Lucas made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return to Brazil and start over, after being acquitted in July 2025 of misconduct charges by the FA, a process that took two years to conclude and caused him great mental strain.

Although the Club did everything possible to convince Lucas to stay, he remained firm in his decision to leave. In light of this, the coach and the Club reluctantly agreed to accept the player’s transfer request.

West Ham United takes this opportunity to thank its board, players, staff, and loyal supporters for the unwavering and dedicated support shown to Lucas throughout his time at the Club, and especially over the past two and a half years. The Club will make no further comment on the matter at this time,” the official statement said.

Gávea’s Homegrown

A product of Rubro-Negro’s youth academy, Paquetá played for the professional team between 2016 and 2018. In total, he played 95 matches, scored 18 goals, and provided seven assists. Before signing with West Ham, the Brazilian also played for Milan and Lyon.