José Boto helps seal record Flamengo deal for Lucas Paquetá | OneFootball

Flamengo have completed the return of Lucas Paquetá from West Ham, who are managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, a club-record capture that ends weeks of talks. The Brazil midfielder will sign a four-year contract, with director José Boto overseeing his third addition of the window.

According to Globoesporte, the fee is 42 million euros, to be paid in instalments through to 2028, after an initial 41.25 million euros offer had been accepted but payment terms prompted a slight increase.

A Gávea academy product, Paquetá debuted for Flamengo in 2016 and became a regular the following year. He left in January 2019 for Milan, later joined Lyon, then moved to West Ham in 2022, and now returns home.

The deal is the most expensive ever completed by a Brazilian club, surpassing the Gerson move to Cruzeiro.

The former Benfica chief scout has already brought in defender Vitão from Internacional and goalkeeper Andrew from Gil Vicente this window.

Paquetá, valued at 35 million euros, has played 19 matches for West Ham this season, 18 in the Premier League and one in the League Cup. Across 1613 minutes, he has five goals and one assist.

Source: Glorioso 1904