West Ham United's Plan Hits Snag: Can They Sell and Loan Back Brazilian Star?
The London club's decision to sell Lucas Paquetá this month, including a potential loan back to Flamengo, has hit a roadblock. The Brazilian midfielder, who joined West Ham for £51m in 2022, has expressed his desire to return to Brazil, but Flamengo is resisting the idea.
According to sources, Flamengo's opening bid of €35m (£30.3m) was rejected by West Ham, and the club is now prepared to increase its offer to around €40m. The Brazilian international has struggled to adjust to life in England since allegations of spot-fixing surfaced last year, which he denied but appeared to have taken an emotional toll on him.
West Ham's position is precarious, as they sit seven points below 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. Losing Paquetá would significantly weaken their chances of staying up in the Premier League. The club's manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, has acknowledged that they need to solve the situation with Paquetá quickly.
Paquetá's departure would be a significant blow, as he is one of West Ham's best players. The club's focus on defensive reinforcements has shifted, and they are exploring alternative options, including signing Filip Jorgensen. However, Chelsea, who are also interested in Jorgensen, have made it clear that their No 2 goalkeeper will not be leaving.
As the Brazilian transfer window approaches its end, West Ham must decide whether to hold onto Paquetá or let him go. The club's financial situation is precarious, and selling the midfielder would provide a significant boost. However, the prospect of losing Paquetá, who has expressed his desire to return to Brazil, adds an emotional layer to the decision.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has options in attack but faces injury concerns over Cole Palmer. The club is also considering bolstering their defensive ranks, which could impact West Ham's plans for Jorgensen. As the transfer window enters its final stages, West Ham must navigate this complex situation carefully to ensure their Premier League survival.
The London club's decision to sell Lucas Paquetá this month, including a potential loan back to Flamengo, has hit a roadblock. The Brazilian midfielder, who joined West Ham for £51m in 2022, has expressed his desire to return to Brazil, but Flamengo is resisting the idea.
According to sources, Flamengo's opening bid of €35m (£30.3m) was rejected by West Ham, and the club is now prepared to increase its offer to around €40m. The Brazilian international has struggled to adjust to life in England since allegations of spot-fixing surfaced last year, which he denied but appeared to have taken an emotional toll on him.
West Ham's position is precarious, as they sit seven points below 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. Losing Paquetá would significantly weaken their chances of staying up in the Premier League. The club's manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, has acknowledged that they need to solve the situation with Paquetá quickly.
Paquetá's departure would be a significant blow, as he is one of West Ham's best players. The club's focus on defensive reinforcements has shifted, and they are exploring alternative options, including signing Filip Jorgensen. However, Chelsea, who are also interested in Jorgensen, have made it clear that their No 2 goalkeeper will not be leaving.
As the Brazilian transfer window approaches its end, West Ham must decide whether to hold onto Paquetá or let him go. The club's financial situation is precarious, and selling the midfielder would provide a significant boost. However, the prospect of losing Paquetá, who has expressed his desire to return to Brazil, adds an emotional layer to the decision.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has options in attack but faces injury concerns over Cole Palmer. The club is also considering bolstering their defensive ranks, which could impact West Ham's plans for Jorgensen. As the transfer window enters its final stages, West Ham must navigate this complex situation carefully to ensure their Premier League survival.