Lucas Paqueta has completed his record-breaking transfer to Flamengo from West Ham United for €42 million, becoming the most expensive player ever signed by a South American club. The 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder has signed a five-year contract and will travel to Brazil for medical tests before finalizing his return to his boyhood club.
Flamengo will pay the fee in instalments until 2028, with initial payments of £30 million and remaining balances spread across the following years. Paqueta becomes a homecoming story after eight years away, having previously played for AC Milan and Lyon before joining West Ham in 2022. The transfer represents a historic moment for South American football, with Flamengo demonstrating unprecedented financial ambition to secure a player of European pedigree.
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Transfer Details and Record Status
The €42 million fee smashes the previous Brazilian league transfer record by a significant margin. Cruzeiro’s acquisition of Gerson from Zenit St Petersburg for €27 million held the previous record, while Vitor Roque’s €25 million return to Palmeiras from Barcelona stood third. Paqueta’s fee represents a 56 percent increase over the previous record, highlighting Flamengo’s determination to strengthen their midfield with genuine European-proven talent.
| Transfer Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Player Name | Lucas Paqueta |
| Selling Club | West Ham United |
| Buying Club | Flamengo |
| Transfer Fee | €42 million (£36.5 million) |
| Transfer Type | Permanent deal |
| Player Age | 28 years old |
| Contract Length | 5 years (until 2031) |
| Payment Structure | Instalments until 2028 |
| Previous Record | Gerson to Cruzeiro (€27m) |
| Record Status | Most expensive South American signing ever |
Why Paqueta Left West Ham
Paqueta had become disillusioned with life at West Ham following spot-fixing allegations that hung over him for two years. Although he was cleared of the charges in July 2024, the investigation significantly impacted his career trajectory and mental health. His performances dipped considerably during the 2024-25 season, and he was left out of recent West Ham squads by manager Nuno Espirito Santo amid uncertainty over his future.
West Ham attempted to convince Paqueta to remain, even exploring the possibility of a loan-back arrangement during the remainder of the season to aid their relegation battle. However, Paqueta was determined to leave England entirely and return to Brazil for a fresh start.
Paqueta’s Career Statistics
| Career Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| West Ham Appearances | 139 across all competitions |
| West Ham Goals | 23 |
| West Ham Assists | 15 |
| This Season (PL) | 18 appearances, 4 goals |
| Transfer Fee to West Ham | €60 million from Lyon (2022) |
| West Ham Contract Remaining | 18 months (until June 2027) |
| Boyhood Club | Flamengo (youth academy) |
| European Clubs | AC Milan, Lyon |
Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon in August 2022 for €60 million, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. Despite this investment, he failed to consistently deliver on the pitch, though he did play a crucial role in West Ham’s UEFA Conference League triumph in 2022-23, being named in the Team of the Tournament.
Flamengo’s Midfield Ambitions
With Paqueta’s signing, Flamengo has constructed a midfield boasting genuine European pedigree. The club now features Paqueta alongside Jorginho, Saúl Ñíguez, and Giorgian De Arrascaeta—all players with significant European experience. This represents a significant statement of intent from Flamengo, who won the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian championship last year.
Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista described the deal as “the biggest transaction ever made by a football club” in South America, reflecting the historic nature of the transfer. The club’s financial power, driven by a massive domestic market of over 200 million people, enabled them to outbid other potential suitors.
Paqueta’s Motivation
At 28 years old, Paqueta sought to return home and make a fresh start away from the controversies that plagued his West Ham tenure. The move brings him closer to the Brazil national team setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup, strengthening his case for international selection.
Tottenham reportedly made a push to sign him, but Paqueta’s heart remained set on a return to Flamengo, where his career began.
Read More: Oscar Bobb to Fulham: Deal Done for £27m Permanent Transfer from Manchester City
FAQs
How much did Flamengo pay for Lucas Paqueta?
Flamengo agreed to pay €42 million (£36.5 million) for Lucas Paqueta, making it the most expensive transfer in South American football history. The fee will be paid in instalments until 2028.
How long is Paqueta’s contract with Flamengo?
Lucas Paqueta signed a five-year contract with Flamengo, running until 2031. The contract makes him one of the highest-paid players in the Brazilian club’s squad.
Why did Paqueta leave West Ham?
Paqueta left West Ham because he became disillusioned with life in England following spot-fixing allegations. Though cleared in July 2024, the scandal affected his mental health and performances. He wanted to make a fresh start in Brazil near his family.
Is this a South American transfer record?
Yes, at €42 million, this is the most expensive transfer ever completed by a South American club, surpassing Cruzeiro’s €27 million signing of Gerson from Zenit St Petersburg.
Could Paqueta play in the Brazilian Super Cup final?
Yes, Paqueta could potentially be available to play for Flamengo in their Brazilian Super Cup final against Corinthians on Sunday, though it depends on completing his medical and registration formalities.
