José Boto shines again: ex-Benfica man works his magic at Flamengo | OneFootball

Flamengo has secured the return of Lucas Paquetá, who becomes the most expensive signing ever for the Rio de Janeiro club. After several weeks of negotiations, the Brazilian club, which has José Boto as its football director, reached an agreement with England’s West Ham, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, for the transfer of the midfielder, who will sign a four-year contract.

According to Globoesporte, the deal was closed at 42 million euros, an amount Flamengo will pay in installments until 2028. West Ham had already accepted an initial offer of 41.25 million euros, but disagreements over payment terms led the Rio club to slightly increase the fee to seal the agreement.

Having come up through the ranks at Gávea, Lucas Paquetá made his debut for Flamengo’s first team in 2016, establishing himself as a starter the following year. In January 2019, he moved to Europe, where he played for Milan in Italy and Lyon in France, before joining West Ham in 2022. The midfielder now returns home.

This transfer marks a historic milestone, being the largest ever by a Brazilian club, surpassing Gerson’s move to Cruzeiro. In this winter transfer window, the former Benfica ‘chief scout’ - who is awaiting his future in the Champions League - had already secured the signings of defender Vitão, formerly of Internacional, and goalkeeper Andrew, who was at Gil Vicente.

This season with West Ham, Lucas Paquetá - valued at 35 million euros - played 19 official matches: 18 in the Premier League and one in the English League Cup. In 1,613 minutes played, the Brazilian midfielder scored five goals and provided one assist.

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