West Ham Reluctant to Sell Lucas Paqueta Amid Brazilian Interest
West Ham United is hesitant to approve a sale of Lucas Paqueta this month, despite interest from clubs in Brazil.
According to sources reported by BBC Sport, at least two Brazilian clubs, including Flamengo, have expressed interest in the 28-year-old midfielder during this transfer window.
Paqueta is reportedly open to a return to South America, with discussions regarding a potential move back to Brazil already underway.
With 18 months left on his contract at the London Stadium, Paqueta is expected to leave West Ham either in this transfer window or during the summer transfer period.
However, the Hammers currently do not wish to part ways with the player, who is considered a vital part of the team.
This season, Paqueta has made 18 appearances in the Premier League for West Ham, contributing four goals and one assist.
Club sources have emphasized that no formal offers for Paqueta have been received thus far this month.
Any consideration of an offer would depend on the bid's value; given Paqueta's role as a key player in manager Nuno Espirito Santo's plans to avoid relegation, a substantial offer would be necessary for the club to reconsider its position.
Reports indicate that Flamengo is prepared to submit an offer in the region of £35 million for Paqueta.
In December, manager Nuno mentioned that Paqueta is still impacted by an ongoing investigation into spot-fixing allegations against him.
The Football Association initiated an investigation in August 2023, and in May 2024, Paqueta was charged with allegedly receiving a booking intentionally to manipulate betting outcomes. He was subsequently cleared by an independent regulatory commission in July 2025.