Vini Jr confident as Flamengo push for Lucas Paquetá return, West Ham fee gap remains | OneFootball

Vini Jr says he speaks daily with Lucas Paquetá about a Flamengo reunion and is confident a deal will be signed soon. The Real Madrid forward believes progress is close with his former academy team-mate at West Ham.

According to Coluna Do Fla, salary terms and a four-year contract are in place between Flamengo and Paquetá, but agreement with West Ham is still needed. The English club are seeking approximately 45 million euros (R$ 283 million), while Flamengo intend to offer up to 42 million euros (R$ 264 million).

Vini Jr added that he hopes Paquetá may finalise the contract in the coming days and enjoy a big year helping Flamengo and the Brazil national team. He spoke after impressing in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Because of the talks, Paquetá has been left out of West Ham’s recent matches and training sessions. Further discussions are expected in the coming days.

The expectation is that the midfielder could return to Mengão in the first half of 2026. The pair have been friends since the Flamengo academy and want to play together for the club again.

Source: Coluna Do Fla