Flamengo agree Brazilian League record €42m deal to re-sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham

Flamengo have agreed to re-sign West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta for a record €42 million, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Pacqueta has agreed a five-year deal with the Brazilian outfit and will travel for medical tests today.

The 28-year-old is now set to become the most expensive player in Brazilian league history, overtaking Gerson, who joined Cruzeiro for €27m earlier this month.

Pacqueta had informed West Ham of his decision to leave this month and attracted the interest of two Premier League clubs, but chose to rejoin his boyhood club.

The Brazil international began his career at Flamengo before joining AC Milan in 2018. He moved to Lyon in 2020, and later signed for West Ham.

He made 139 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions, recording 23 goals and 15 assists.

Pacqueta played a key role in the club’s UEFA Conference League triumph in the 2022/2023 season, and was named in the Team of the Tournament.

It remains to be seen whether the East London club will sign a replacement for Pacqueta before the end of the winter transfer window.

West Ham completed the signing of Adama Traore from rivals Fulham today, marking their third acquisition this month.

Nuno Espirito Santos’ side sit 18th in the Premier League standings, five points adrift of safety.

West Ham face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, aiming to make it three consecutive league wins and bolster their survival hopes.

Stats from transfermarkt.com