Lucas Paqueta could reportedly leave West Ham in January as Flamengo eye an ambitious swoop for the Hammers ace. According to Brazilian outlet Bolavip, Flamengo’s technical director José Boto is spearheading the campaign to lure Paqueta home. The report claims that Boto has been in constant dialogue with the midfielder’s representatives, determined to make the emotional reunion happen.
Flamengo launch mission to bring back Paqueta
Paqueta is one of their own, a Flamengo academy graduate who dazzled in 95 senior appearances before being snapped up by AC Milan in 2019. Bringing him back, they believe, would complete a story that’s been years in the making. Their interest isn’t new. The club have long dreamed of reuniting with the midfield maestro. Sources close to the Rio board reveal that Paqueta himself has told friends that his ultimate wish is to play again for Flamengo before he hangs up his boots. When his transfer to another English club didn’t materialise previously, Flamengo chiefs were quietly celebrating, and now, they sense a real opportunity.
AdvertisementGettyFlamengo are ready, war chest waiting
Finances are no obstacle. Flamengo have already banked around €15 million (£13m/$17.5m) from recent sales and expect to have far more by 2026. Insiders say they’re confident they can finance a permanent deal, viewing Paqueta as a statement signing who could spearhead their domestic and continental ambitions. Behind the scenes, things are far from perfect for Paqueta in London. Though admired by West Ham fans, the Brazilian is said to be frustrated by the club’s lack of progress and ambitions. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the playmaker wants to compete regularly at the top level and believes a move, whether to a Champions League club or back to Brazil, would revitalise his career.
While Flamengo are desperate to bring Paqueta home, they’re not the only club watching his situation closely. Aston Villa were reportedly close to agreeing a £47 million ($63m) package earlier this year, a deal that included a loan fee and add-ons, while Tottenham are also exploring options after missing out on Eberechi Eze. If West Ham do put him on the market, Flamengo might have stiff competition from Premier League sides.
The comeback after chaos
Paqueta’s desire for a new chapter comes after enduring one of the toughest periods of his career. The midfielder was finally cleared in July 2025 of serious allegations involving spot-fixing, charges that had hung over him for nearly two years. The Football Association had accused the star of intentionally earning yellow cards to influence betting markets, a scandal that torpedoed his dream move to Manchester City in 2023. Now, a 314-page judgment has cleared his name entirely, exposing glaring holes in the FA’s case. The independent commission criticised the FA’s investigation, particularly its reliance on the association’s own betting integrity officer, Tom Astley, as a key witness.
The case review stated: “From the commission's perspective, the evidence presented by the FA on the betting data had an obvious flaw, namely the lack of an independent expert assessment of that data. That the FA chose to advance the most important element of its case without any such independent expert assessment of it was, in the commission's view, surprising.”
Paqueta’s legal team, led by Alistair Campbell, has confirmed the Brazilian is considering legal action against the FA for the damage done to his career and reputation.
Campbell told the Daily Mail: “It's certainly something that is at the forefront of our minds, and those discussions are ongoing. I can't say we're about to run off to court, but it's something that's under consideration. It's a judgment that's quite critical of the FA at some points, but there are other points where it says you can see why suspicion was raised.
“The driving factor behind this will be what it's cost Lucas in terms of his career and potential earnings. That is significant. He was on the verge of a move to Man City when this first happened, and they went on to win the Premier League that year. There's an empty space in his trophy cabinet that can't be filled by an exoneration and by some recompense. He definitely feels aggrieved. The judgment comprehensively exonerates him, so the ultimate decision will rest with Lucas, but we will certainly be exploring all possibilities.”
Getty ImagesFresh start or fairytale return for Paqueta?
Paqueta’s next move could define the remainder of his career. Stay in Europe and chase the Champions League dream, or return to Brazil and reclaim his place as Flamengo’s kingpin. For the player, the allure of home might just prove irresistible. But money talks, and if a Premier League giant comes knocking again, it could complicate the picture. For now, Paqueta remains focused on the present. He’s currently in Brazil’s national team camp and played a starring role in their 5-0 demolition of South Korea. He’s expected to line up again when the Selecao face Japan next week before jetting back to England to rejoin West Ham ahead of their clash with Brentford on October 20.
