West Ham United calls its shareholders to a meeting this weekend with the aim of discussing a possible reduction in the amount requested for the transfer of midfielder Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo. The English club maintains the initial request at 50 million pounds (around 57 million euros or R$361 million at current prices), while Flamengo establishes a maximum limit of 40 million euros (approximately R$289 million). The information was confirmed by sources close to the negotiations this Tuesday (13).
Lucas The definition of the transfer depends exclusively on the decision of West Ham, who resists the Brazilian’s departure in this January window.
The Brazilian midfielder has five goals and one assist in 19 matches played in the 2025/26 season for the London club. Apesar of good individual performance, West Ham is going through a delicate moment in Premier League and occupies 18th position, within the relegation zone.
🚨🔴⚫️ Lucas Paquetá has reached an agreement with Flamengo on personal terms, all done on player side.
—Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)January 12, 2026
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil and talks are now ongoing with West Ham.
Up to#WHUFCwith player pushing to make it happen. 🇧🇷pic.twitter.com/2HD4rVnFx9
Decisive meeting with shareholders
The board assesses that a sale below the intended value represents an important financial loss. Shareholders must approve any significant reduction in the order for negotiations to move forward.
The London club faces additional financial pressure due to the risk of falling to Championship. The estimated loss of revenue in the event of a downgrade exceeds 100 million pounds, which makes the operation even more sensitive.
Coach opposes the Brazilian’s departure
Nuno Espírito Santo, current coach of West Ham, is against the transfer of Paquetá this window. The commander considers the midfielder to be a fundamental player in the tactical scheme and an absolute starter in the team.
In the Portuguese coach’s assessment, the stay of Paquetá increases the team’s chances of recovery. The Brazilian’s absence would make it difficult to react necessary to escape the relegation zone.
Flamengo remains optimistic in negotiations
Rubro-Negro reserves specific funds for the operation and bets on the wishes expressed by the player himself. The Rio de Janeiro board understands that Paquetá’s preference for returning to Brasil exerts favorable pressure on the conversations.
Negotiations between the clubs have been taking place for around 40 days. Flamengo has already presented formal proposals, but is facing resistance from the English, who have also received contacts from other European clubs, such as Tottenham.
Player pressure by quick setting
Paquetá shows growing dissatisfaction with the situation in English football. The midfielder even requested not to be included in a recent match for the FA Cup, reinforcing his intention to resolve the situation in January.
The Brazilian’s contract with West Ham is valid until June 2027. The winter transfer window closes on January 31st, which makes an outcome urgent in the coming weeks.
Hiring history weighs in the decision
West Ham acquired Paquetá from Lyon in August 2022 for 61.6 million euros. The possible current sale would represent a considerable loss in relation to the amount invested three and a half years ago.
The English board seeks to balance the need for cash with maintaining the squad’s competitiveness. The current sporting crisis complicates the scenario and forces shareholders to debate difficult options.
