Lucas Paqueta not happy as details emerge on potentially imminent West Ham exit
Lucas Paqueta is certainly no stranger to being linked with a move away from West Ham United.
Paqueta was wanted by Aston Villa in the summer transfer window and, going further back, would have been a Manchester City player already if not for his betting charge.
The playmaker ultimately remains at he London Stadium and the FA charge that Paqueta had hanging over him has now gone.
That is not to say the transfer speculation has stopped, though, with a move abroad still potentially on the cards for Paqueta in January.
Flamengo set to table January bid for Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta is currently representing Brazil in their Asia friendlies, having come on as a substitute in the 5-0 win over South Korea.
Indeed, Paqueta caught the eye for Brazil in that match and it may well be that he is back in his homeland come 2026.
According to Bolavip, Flamengo remain interested in bringing Paqueta back to Brazil.
Flamengo have been linked in the past, but it is claimed they are now in a much stronger financial position to get a deal done.
The South American heavyweights believe a move is doable and an official proposal will be made in Janaury.
For now, talks are said to have ramped up for Paqueta, who it is claimed is not 100 per cent happy at West Ham and wants to join a “more competitive team” ahead of the World Cup.
What is Paqueta’s Premier League record like for West Ham?
Paqueta has made 99 Premier League appearances for West Ham since joining from Lyon in August 2022 for a then club-record fee.
The Brazilian has scored 14 goals and assisted a further nine, which is not exactly the greatest of returns.
Indeed, 17 of those 23 goal involvements came in his first two seasons at the London Stadium. He has just six since the start of last season, albeit he has had that betting charge furore to deal with.
- Paqueta has two goals and zero assists in seven Premier League appearances this season
- The Brazilian had four goals and zero assists in 2023-24
- That compares to a combined 17 goal involvements in his first two seasons
Nobody wants to see Paqueta leave, especially not for what many would consider a downgrade at this stage in his career away from European football.
If Flamengo make a serious offer, though, and Paqueta makes clear he wants the move, then it is one supporters may just have to accept.
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