Lucas Paquetá considers leaving West Ham in January 2026 to prioritize World Cup spot

Lucas Paquetá, the 28-year-old West Ham midfielder, is considering departing the English club during the January 2026 transfer window. The decision emerges amid the team’s struggles in the Premier League, where it sits in 19th place after nine rounds. The player, under contract until June 2027, discusses the pros and cons of a move with his representatives.

West Ham endures financial and sporting challenges, recording one win, one draw, and seven losses this season. Paquetá has played in 10 matches and scored three goals, serving as a key figure in midfield. The potential exit seeks new opportunities, though the club resists an immediate release.

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A major concern centers on securing a spot in the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup. Any transfer would require quick adaptation, potentially impacting the athlete’s performance. Cleared in July 2025 of sports betting allegations, Paquetá aims for stability to retain his place in the national squad.

🚨🇧🇷 Lucas Paqueta (28) wants to LEAVE West Ham in January, reports @garyjacob/@TimesSport. 👋 pic.twitter.com/Cufy1aFxk7

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 28, 2025

Current West Ham situation in the Premier League

West Ham has suffered seven defeats in nine Premier League matches during the 2025/26 season. The team, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, battles relegation and requires urgent reinforcements.

Financial pressures push the board to generate revenue. Selling Paquetá could bring in around 60 million pounds, equivalent to R$380 million, to the club’s funds.

The coach retains support until January, but overall team performance remains unstable. Paquetá, as one of the standouts, starts in nine games.

Paquetá’s performance this season

Paquetá totals three goals in 10 appearances for West Ham in the current campaign. The Brazilian midfielder shows consistency despite the team’s issues.

His contract, signed in 2022, provides a competitive salary until 2027. Recent stays followed rejections of Aston Villa bids and a Flamengo loan proposal.

• Three goals scored in Premier League and domestic cup matches.
• Nine starts, focusing on playmaking.
• Four assists, supporting the attack.
• Physical recovery post-betting case, with 80% training efficiency.

The Rio de Janeiro native features in recent Brazil call-ups under Dorival Júnior.

Potential destinations for the Brazilian midfielder

European clubs track Paquetá’s situation since last summer. Manchester United requested details on his valuation from West Ham on Wednesday, October 29.

Milan and PSG expressed interest in prior windows, but concrete talks emerge now. The Hammers demand around 50 million pounds.

A return to Flamengo stays as a remote option, subject to financial terms. The choice will depend on sporting projects aligned with the player’s international career.

Factors influencing Paquetá’s decision

Adapting to a new setting weighs in the player’s considerations. Paquetá built a routine at West Ham, with 70 appearances since joining in 2022.

The risk of losing momentum directly affects World Cup chances. Brazil’s national team, led by Dorival Júnior, favors players in strong club form.

Recent stats show Paquetá with 85% pass accuracy in European games. His staff evaluates offers ensuring regular playing time.

The January window opens on January 1, 2026, and closes on February 3, a brief period for deals. West Ham schedules internal meetings to set its official stance.

Recent transfer rumors

Rejected offers mid-2025 included Aston Villa’s 40 million pound bid. Flamengo suggested a loan, but the English side prioritized retention.

Manchester United seeks midfield reinforcements for the season’s second half. Initial contacts indicate interest in a fair market value below the 60 million asked.

Other clubs like Botafogo monitor remotely, but focus stays in Europe. Paquetá records 15 goals and 12 assists in 70 Hammers games.

The English Football Association archived the betting case, clearing the player for full negotiations.

Preparation for the 2026 World Cup

Brazil conducts qualifiers with Paquetá as a recurring midfield option. Dorival Júnior summoned the player for March 2025 matches after legal resolution.

The tournament takes place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June to July 2026. Paquetá aims to secure a spot among the 26 selected.

National team sessions emphasize cohesion, with Paquetá in versatile roles. His Premier League showings serve as the main criterion for final call-up.