West Ham are blocking a €40m bid for the star player as the player looks to leave in January
Brazilian giants Flamengo have launched a stunning €40m (£34.7m) bid for West Ham United star Lucas Paquetá, sparking controversy in the January transfer window.
In accordance with Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberga verbal agreement on personal terms between the 28-year-old and his boyhood club has already been “done and confirmed,” leaving the final decision entirely in the hands of the Hammers’ board.
While Flamengo want to complete the deal “immediately,” West Ham remain firm in their position.
?? Flamengo is pushing to sign Lucas #Paqueta with immediate effect. A verbal agreement between the 28 y/o and Flamengo was made and confirmed.
Everything now depends on West Ham, and it is not easy. As things stand, there is still no green light from the club. Negotiations are ongoing.… pic.twitter.com/LnfvxmwF2R
– Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 12, 2026
The London club, who are currently struggling in the Premier League under Nuno Espírito Santo, want to keep their star at least until the end of the season.
West Ham have reportedly rejected Flamengo’s opening bid, despite the big money on the table.
Club officials see Lucas Paqueta as vital to their survival hopes, especially after the recent signing of Taty Castellanos to bolster the attack.
Plettenberg reports that although the Hammers have “blocked all offers” so far, Flamengo are not deterred and are expected to come back with an improved offer of more than €40 million.
??? As reported today, West Ham are currently blocking all offers from Flamengo. However, a new bid of more than €40 million is expected. #WHUFC ??
– Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 12, 2026
For the West Ham board, the dilemma is whether to cash in on a player whose heart is elsewhere or risk keeping an unhappy asset at a critical time in the campaign.
Lucas Paqueta wants out of West Ham
The situation has turned sour behind the scenes, with an anonymous X insider saying Paqueta is on an “illegal strike” to force the move.
The Brazil international was absent from West Ham’s recent FA Cup win over QPR, having reportedly asked not to be selected.
Although the official reason given was a minor injury, sources close to the player indicate that he is “disappointed” with life in England.
It is suspected that Paqueta wants the move not just for football reasons, but to return to a supportive environment in Brazil following a taxing spell in the Premier League.
Paqueta’s time at West Ham
Paquetá’s time at the London Stadium has been a rollercoaster. Initially arriving as a record signing and becoming a fan favorite for his brilliance and work rate, his career was almost derailed by a protracted FA investigation into alleged betting breaches.
Although he was finally sentenced in July 2025 after a two-year ordeal, mental stress has been evident.
Despite a brief revival, highlighted by a goal against Nottingham Forest in which he pretended to drop the phone, his relationship with the English game remains strained.
With the World Cup around the corner, Paqueta seems convinced that a return to the Maracana is the only way to find peace and form again.
