Mengao agreed with West Ham on the midfielder's return in exchange for a completely unprecedented amount for both the club and the region
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Flamengo is undoubtedly experiencing one of its best eras, both in sporting and economic terms. In this regard, it recently broke the transfer market and marked a turning point in South American soccer. The Brazilian club reached an agreement with West Ham United to finalize the return of Lucas Paquetá, in a deal close to 42 million euros, the most expensive transfer in the region's history.
The transfer, whose payments will be distributed over 24 months, demolished the recent record held by Gerson, for whom Cruzeiro had paid out 30 million euros. With this signing, Flamengo reaffirms its economic and sporting leadership in South America and once again makes a strong bet on a player who came through its own youth ranks.
The English club confirmed the midfielder's departure with an official statement: "West Ham United can confirm that Lucas Paquetá has been granted permission to undergo a medical examinationand discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo, after a fee was agreed for his permanent transfer".
Tanto el club con el DT no querían que Paquetá se vaya
In the same text, it explained the reasons for the return: "Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and start again after being cleared in July 2025 of the FA misconduct charges that took two years to solve, a situation that caused him significant mental strain".
From London, they also admitted that they tried to keep him: "Despite the fact that the Club did everything possible to convince Lucas to stay, he has remained firm in his desire to leave. For this reason, the head coach and the Club have reluctantly agreed to grant his transfer request", they stated, before publicly thanking him for his time at the institution.
Paquetá, 28 years old, will sign a five-season contract and, after eight years in Europe, will return to Mengão, the club where he made his first-team debut in 2016 and became Carioca champion in 2017. During his time on the Old Continent, the midfielder played for Milan, Lyon, and West Ham.
Paquetá vuelve a Flamengo tras 8 años en Europa
Meanwhile, in Rio de Janeiro, expectations are sky-high. The club is waiting to complete the medical examination and the signing so that his name appears in the CBF's official bulletin before Friday. If the timeline is met, Paquetá could make his debut this very Sunday in the Brazilian Super Cup final against Corinthians.
With this deal, Flamengo not only brings back one of its most representative players, but also sets a new historic record in the South American market and strengthens its ambition to once again be a leading contender at both domestic and international levels.
The most expensive signings in South American history
