Lucas Paqueta deal hits the skids as West Ham United holidays in Rio de Janeiro
Lucas Paqueta is set to return to West Ham United after spending his holiday in Brazil after being linked with a move to Flamengo, according to Raisa Simplicio.
The GOAL Brazil reporter has suggested via X (10 July) that the Brazilian side has hit “enormous difficulty” in a move to sign the Hammers star.
The 26-year-old is on holiday in Rio de Janeiro but looks set to return to the London Stadium as a deal couldn’t be struck after being “handled by Marcos Braz”.
Flamengo wanted “to try” to force through a deal because Paqueta himself said “he would be willing to return” but that now appears to be unlikely.
Lucas Paqueta set for West Ham United stay
There is no doubt that the Hammers are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the attacking midfielder this summer.
With the charges that the FA have put forward, there could be a lengthy ban as a punishment in the pipeline for the Brazilian.
This has seen West Ham consider their options with a move to Flamengo, whether that be a sale or loan, being considered already this summer.
Now it appears that a deal to return to Brazil has fallen through with Paqueta set to remain at the London Stadium beyond this summer.
Julen Lopetegui looks set to utilise the Hammers talisman moving into his first season in charge before any punishment is handed out.
There was a chance that they could cash in on the attacking midfielder this summer and distribute those incoming funds across the rest of the squad.
Now it looks like Paqueta will begin the season under Lopetegui and must take advantage while he can still feature in the Premier League.
In other West Ham news, the club have made a final decision on a move for Jean-Clair Todibo.
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