Paqueta to Flamengo? West Ham desperate not to sell despite asking not to play in FA Cup

Paqueta to Flamengo? West Ham desperate not to sell despite asking not to play in FA Cup

West Ham are reluctant to sanction a sale for Lucas Paqueta despite the midfielder wanting Flamengo move.

Paqueta has reportedly agreed personal terms with Flamengo over a transfer away from West Ham, who, as reported by the BBC, are reluctant to sell the Brazilian in the January transfer window.

With Paquet1 under contract until 2027, West Ham are not under immediate pressure to sell, but with fears of relegation and the club set to drop to the Championship it looks like Paqueta wants out.

According to The Guardian, Paqueta wants to join Flamengo – the team at which he started his career.

Journalist Florian Plettenburg reported on Monday that Flamengo are close to stealing the playmaker away in what would be one of the biggest moves of the winter window.

“Flamengo are pushing to sign Lucas #Paqueta with immediate effect. A verbal agreement between the 28 y/o and Flamengo is done and confirmed.

“Everything now depends on West Ham, and it is not easy. As things stand, there is no green light yet from the club. Talks ongoing.”

Paqueta has featured 18 times in the Premier League for West Ham so far this campaign, scoring four and assisting once. As per the BBC report, The Hammers do not want to sell the 28-year-old as he is seen as a vital player under manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Paqueta, who joined West Ham for 351m in August 2022, looks set to leave and will likely protest if his is not allowed to depart this January.