Flamengo seal record Paquetá deal after tense West Ham talks and late payment standoff | OneFootball

Flamengo feared their move for Paquetá might collapse, yet sealed Brazilian football’s record signing after tense talks with West Ham. According to Globo.com, three weeks of advances and setbacks stretched to agreement on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old accepted Flamengo’s offer in early January. He pushed for release as West Ham held firm, and his representatives helped unlock negotiations before the club formalised terms.

West Ham set 60 million euros, Flamengo targeted 40 million. An opening mix of fixed fee and bonuses was rejected, the London club demanded the entire sum guaranteed. Immediate release later stopped being an obstacle.

Payment terms became the flashpoint. Flamengo wanted three years, West Ham sought 18 months. President Bap resisted stretching the budget, a 24-month plan was declined, and by Tuesday a breakdown felt likely.

Flamengo added R$ five million, agreeing 42 million euros with instalments running to 2028. Confidence rose as West Ham pursued a replacement and coach Nuno Espírito Santo was not counting on him during a relegation fight.

They beat competition from Tottenham and Chelsea, who made offers. Filipe Luís assisted, progress resumed after Bap returned from holiday, and director José Boto plus the coach helped set the ceiling.

Paquetá told staff he wanted out, asked to miss recent matches and endured anxious days after last year’s betting case, in which he was cleared in July. He rejected richer European offers and is due in Rio on Thursday, viewing it as a return home.

Source: Globo.com