Lucas Paqueta twist emerges at very end of blockbuster West Ham transfer saga
Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham exit is finally drawing a step closer.
This has been a season to forget for the Hammers so far. West Ham could be searching for a third manager if Nuno Espirito Santo is sacked, as they try to stave off relegation.
Paqueta has endured a rough few years at the London Stadium.
And although Paqueta thanked West Ham for sticking by him during his spot-fixing investigation, it seems that will no longer be the case.
That is because Paqueta looks set to leave West Ham for Brazilian side Flamengo before the winter transfer window shuts on 2 February.
Flamengo to go early on Lucas Paqueta transfer
Paqueta seems primed to join Flamengo for around £35.8million this week, but a transfer can never be guaranteed until it is officially announced.
However, in a somewhat surprising move, the Brazilian top-flight champions appear to be gearing up to announce his signing before he even has a medical.
That is according to journalist Pablo Rua, who state that Flamengo have made “significant progress” with West Ham regarding their payment instalment plan.
He adds that people close to the 28-year-old, who hasn’t played for West Ham since their 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest on 6 January, believe this transfer will “finally be closed” on Wednesday.
Rua stresses that Flamengo won’t wait for Paqueta’s medical to announce his capture, with it being “very likely” the attacking midfielder will be a Flamengo player on Wednesday night or Thursday.
Paqueta, whose contract runs until 2027, has scored five goals and added one assist in 19 games for West Ham this season.
Who else could be coming and going at West Ham?
If Paqueta does leave, he will surely not be the last bit of transfer business West Ham does before the winter window closes.
Indeed, Soungoutou Magassa and Kyle Walker-Peters have been linked with West Ham exits, with Serie A strugglers Fiorentina considering moves for the defensive midfielder and full-back.
Elsewhere, Besiktas want West Ham stars Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola, but whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen.
However, reports suggest they are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper, with West Ham trying to sign Tottenham stopper Antonin Kinsky, so something could be done there.
Nuno may be set for a reunion with a former Wolves player if Adama Traore joins West Ham from Fulham this month.
And out-of-favour West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse could join Burnley on loan this month as a busy end to the window comes into view.
Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.