Lucas Paqueta has completed a £36.5 million return to Flamengo following a public disagreement with West Ham United over his desire to leave for mental health and family reasons.
West Ham United have confirmed the sale of Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo for £36.5 million, ending his three-and-a-half-year stint in East London.
The transfer follows a public dispute, with the club claiming they did “everything possible” to keep the Brazilian after his 2025 clearance from gambling charges.
West Ham noted: “Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home.”
Paqueta countered the club’s narrative in an emotional farewell video, citing mental health and family needs as primary drivers for his return to Brazil.
Despite the club’s claim of an “adamant” transfer request, Paqueta insisted:
“I never asked to leave. I did ask to return home, and I hope someday you’ll understand that nothing is more comforting than going back home.”