Lucas Paqueta to jet out of UK within 72 hours as agreement reached for West Ham exit

Lucas Paqueta is preparing to travel before making his West Ham exit official.

Paqueta has been strongly linked away from West Ham this winter and hasn’t been seen in claret and blue since 6 January.

It looks highly likely that Paqueta will make a move to Flamengo before deadline day after a difficult spell at the London Stadium.

The Brazilian has been waiting for many weeks and now Paqueta’s switch to Flamengo looks set to be signed off by West Ham.

Paqueta has now learned when his move back to South America could be confirmed with a flight booked within days for the attacking midfielder.

Lucas Paqueta's West Ham career stats
Credit: Imago

Lucas Paqueta flight to Brazil booked in

Paqueta is hardly popular at West Ham right now after what has been a far from ideal transfer saga at this stage of the season.

The Hammers are in the middle of a relegation battle and need all their best players to be singing off the same hymn sheet.

That hasn’t been the case for the former Lyon man who has downed tools and seemingly refused to play until he gets his move.

It appears that Paqueta has got his way, with a move now imminent in East London.

Brazilian journalist Oliveira Pablo revealed on Monday that an agreement has been reached between West Ham and Flamengo over a deal for the 28-year-old.

A deal “should be finalised” by Tuesday, while the number 10 should arrive in Brazil on Thursday, leaving a 72 hour window from now.

That comes after a fee of £40million was agreed and left nothing to be done except for the contract to be signed by Paqueta himself.

West Ham glad to get rid of Paqueta

Paqueta may have been a signing that made the Irons’ rivals jealous, but they have been far from jealous with his output in recent years.

The Brazilian has failed to show exactly why he cost so much, with his performances not being up to scratch for a long while now.

Lucas Paqueta has one assist in two seasons for West Ham.
Credit: Imago/Breaking Media

Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled to utilise the attacker, so to receive a sizable fee for his signature seems like a no-brainer.

The Hammers will wish him well for the future, but won’t be gutted to lose a player who has contributed just 10 goals in the past two seasons.

West Ham’s relegation will be easier without him in the squad, especially if they can land a new alternative before the window ends.

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