Lucas Paquetá closes in on transfer to Flamengo

Lucas Paquetá seems like he is set to leave West Ham United this month and return to Brazilian side Flamengo. The midfielder was left out of West Ham's FA Cup squad against Queens Park Rangers, as he would like to leave the club.

According to reports, Paquetá has agreed personal terms with Flamengo, who are happy to bid €40 million for the midfielder. The 28-year-old started his career with Flamengo before leaving the club in 2019 for a move to AC Milan. Paquetá made his debut for the Brazilian club back in 2016 and featured 95 times in total for them.

With West Ham struggling in the league this season and currently sitting 18th, they will need to replace the Brazilian this window. If they are to avoid relegation, they need to get somebody in quickly to help the Hammers get back on track.

During his time at the London Stadium, Paquetá made 139 appearances and won the UEFA Conference League. If Paquetá does depart soon, then his final match for the Hammers was against Nottingham Forest. His second-to-last game played for West Ham saw him score and get an assist, as Nuno Espírito Santo's side drew 2-2 at home against Brighton.

The 28-year-old seems like he will return to Flamengo this window, with growing noise around a deal being completed.

Filipe Luis' side had a magnificent 2025, where they won four major trophies, which included the Copa Libertadores. At the end of the year, Luis penned a new contract with the club, keeping him contracted to the South American side until 2027.

If Lucas Paquetá does join Flamengo this window, who do you think West Ham will replace him with this month?