The "Magic Man" of East London is one step closer to a emotional homecoming. On Monday, January 12, 2026, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Lucas Paquetá has reached a full agreement on personal terms with Flamengo, as the Brazilian playmaker pushes for an immediate exit from West Ham United.
Despite being a vital part of Nuno Espírito Santo's squad, Paquetá is reportedly "disillusioned" with life in England following
the two-year betting investigation (of which he was cleared in 2025) and the Hammers' current struggle against relegation.
The Deal: A Record-Breaking Return?
While the player has said "yes," the two clubs remain locked in high-stakes negotiations over the final transfer fee.
The Offer: Flamengo have reportedly tabled a bid of €40 million (£34.7m).
The Valuation: West Ham are holding out for a fee closer to €60 million (£52m), citing his importance to their survival hopes and a contract that runs until June 2027.
Historical Context: If completed at €40m, Paquetá would become the most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football, surpassing the €27m fee paid by Cruzeiro for Gerson earlier this month.
The Sacrifice: Paquetá has reportedly agreed to a significant pay cut to facilitate the move, prioritizing his mental well-being and a return to his boyhood club ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Selection Bombshell
The situation reached a boiling point over the weekend when Paquetá was a surprise omission from West Ham’s 2–0 FA Cup win over QPR (Jan 11). While the club initially cited a minor injury, it has since been revealed that Paquetá requested not to play, informing the club he is not in the right "frame of mind" while negotiations are ongoing.
The "Nuno" Dilemma
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo is reportedly desperate to keep his star man. With West Ham currently sitting 18th in the Premier League, losing their primary creative outlet could be the difference between survival and the Championship. However, the club hierarchy is wary of keeping a player who has made his desire to leave so public.
The Verdict: This is a classic "head vs. heart" saga. Paquetá has clearly checked out of the London Stadium project, but West Ham's precarious league position makes a January sale a massive gamble. If Flamengo can bridge the €20m gap in valuation, one of the Premier League's most talented stars will be heading home.