Lucas Paqueta does something never seen to seal record transfer away from West Ham
Lucas Paqueta is finally leaving West Ham United.
The Brazilian will leave with little support from those at the London Stadium after weeks packed with inadequate performances and a terrible attitude.
Paqueta will join Flamengo for around £36.4million, with terms now fully agreed with West Ham.
It has been revealed that Paqueta could even be announced before his medical, with the former Lyon star now on his way to Brazil to complete formalities.
Lucas Paqueta deal breaks records
Raisa Simplicio has reported on X that Flamengo will pay the fee in five separate instalments, which will last until 2028.
The Goal journalist shares that it will be a record transfer for any Brazilian club, surpassing what Cruzeiro paid for Gerson.
The initial asking price has dropped dramatically, and it appears Paqueta had a massive role to play in that.
One source at Flamengo told Simplicio: “I’ve never seen a player do what he was doing.”
What legacy will Lucas Paqueta leave behind?
There is no denying his skill and ability, which is why Nuno wanted to keep Paqueta around.
But the petulance and drama that came along with the playmaker were simply too much, and many around him had simply had enough of it all.
Paqueta’s red card against Liverpool was the perfect example, and given that West Ham have won three games in a row in all competitions without him, it proves his sale is the right move.
West Ham have banished any and all PSR concerns with the impending sale, with moves for Pablo and Taty Castellanos immediately covered.
23 goals and 15 assists in 139 appearances for the Hammers are decent enough, but they aren’t groundbreaking numbers.
Crysencio Summerville is on fire at the moment, and with Manuel Fernandes taking on more responsibility in midfield too, Paqueta could be quickly forgotten.
Chelsea are next up in the Premier League, and another win there would be incredible for the relegation dogfight that is continuing.
As for Paqueta, this exit has certainly come at the right time.
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