West Ham's Lucas Paquetá Seeks Exit Amid Relegation Battle - Flamengo Return Looms Large
In a surprising move, West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has asked not to play in the FA Cup third round against QPR, citing his growing disillusionment with life in England. The Brazilian international, who joined West Ham for £51m in 2022, is keen to return to his homeland and join Flamengo, a move that could come as soon as this month.
The 28-year-old had a €35m bid rejected by West Ham earlier in the week, but the club is still willing to consider a €40m offer. However, with relegation battles looming large, Nuno Espírito Santo's side are wary of selling Paquetá before the end of the season.
Paquetá's future has been uncertain for some time, following an alleged breach of betting regulations that he was cleared of last year. His dissatisfaction with life in England is clear, and a source close to him claims there is no chance he will be at West Ham next season.
The former Lyon midfielder began his career at Flamengo, where he hopes to return before this summer's World Cup. The Brazilian club are likely to test West Ham's resolve in the coming days, with Paquetá keen to join them.
West Ham's decision on whether to sell Paquetá is complicated by the player's recent history of form and off-field incidents. His red card against Liverpool last November sparked controversy, and he has since accused the FA of not providing him with sufficient psychological support.
With relegation looming large, West Ham must decide whether they can afford to lose another key player. Despite Paquetá's growing dissatisfaction, the club may still resist selling him, given their initial support during his alleged breach of betting regulations last year. However, the prospect of a lucrative sale and the lure of Flamengo's offer could eventually persuade them to let him go.
For now, Paquetá remains at West Ham, but his future is far from certain. Will he join Flamengo and return to Brazil, or will he stay in England and see out the remainder of the season? Only time will tell.
In a surprising move, West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has asked not to play in the FA Cup third round against QPR, citing his growing disillusionment with life in England. The Brazilian international, who joined West Ham for £51m in 2022, is keen to return to his homeland and join Flamengo, a move that could come as soon as this month.
The 28-year-old had a €35m bid rejected by West Ham earlier in the week, but the club is still willing to consider a €40m offer. However, with relegation battles looming large, Nuno Espírito Santo's side are wary of selling Paquetá before the end of the season.
Paquetá's future has been uncertain for some time, following an alleged breach of betting regulations that he was cleared of last year. His dissatisfaction with life in England is clear, and a source close to him claims there is no chance he will be at West Ham next season.
The former Lyon midfielder began his career at Flamengo, where he hopes to return before this summer's World Cup. The Brazilian club are likely to test West Ham's resolve in the coming days, with Paquetá keen to join them.
West Ham's decision on whether to sell Paquetá is complicated by the player's recent history of form and off-field incidents. His red card against Liverpool last November sparked controversy, and he has since accused the FA of not providing him with sufficient psychological support.
With relegation looming large, West Ham must decide whether they can afford to lose another key player. Despite Paquetá's growing dissatisfaction, the club may still resist selling him, given their initial support during his alleged breach of betting regulations last year. However, the prospect of a lucrative sale and the lure of Flamengo's offer could eventually persuade them to let him go.
For now, Paquetá remains at West Ham, but his future is far from certain. Will he join Flamengo and return to Brazil, or will he stay in England and see out the remainder of the season? Only time will tell.