West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is wanted by Brazilian side Flamengo, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming a loan move could be on the cards in the near future.
The 26-year-old has been a fantastic player for the Hammers, not only providing elite quality in the middle of the park, but also working tirelessly off the ball, proving to be a great team player.
Sadly, betting allegations have halted Paqueta greatly in his prime, with rumours of a long ban from the game reportedly coming his way, acting as a major blow for West Ham.
Taking to X on Thursday morning, Romano said that Flamengo are interested in signing the Brazil international on loan this summer, sealing a return to his homeland in the process:
“Flamengo have approached West Ham to sign Lucas Paquetá on loan. Negotiations are ongoing on clubs’ side. Player’s camp also been informed of Flamengo desire to sign Paqueta, as @venecasagrande reported. Flamengo plan to insist on this deal in the next days.”
Meanwhile, a report from Caught Offside states that “talks are ongoing over this possible move, with West Ham ready to let Paqueta go.”
It is such a shame to see what has happened with Paqueta, in terms of his off-field issues, and it does feel increasingly as though a summer exit from the London Stadium is on the cards.
There have been few midfielders in recent years to have possessed such brilliance in that area of the pitch, with 27 goal contributions (13 goals and 14 assists) in 84 appearances coming his way for West Ham since arriving from Lyon back in 2022, while Emerson Palmieri has said of him:
“He’s a player who creates a lot, but also works very hard for us in defence. His positional awareness is second to none. I had the pleasure of playing with him in Lyon too. He’s a craque (an ace) and he’s always got a smile on his face!”
If Julen Lopetegui feels that now is the right time to let go of Paqueta, however, due to the much-publicised betting problems, the Hammers’ new manager needs to be trusted.
In an ideal world, though, these allegations would blow over and the midfielder ace would remain in east London for many years to come.
