Lucas Paqueta completes £36m return to Flamengo, says 'I needed Flamengo'

Lucas Paqueta has completed his switch from West Ham to Flamengo in a £36 million ($50m) transfer, and on Jan 29, 2026 he admitted he "needed Flamengo" after sealing the move.

Paqueta had been linked with a return to Flamengo earlier this season and said his desire to go back to Brazil grew ahead of this year’s World Cup, particularly after he was cleared of spot‑fixing charges following a lengthy investigation. He described how Flamengo’s vice president Marcos Braz approached him and how he discussed the move with West Ham before asking the club to "resolve this."

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo this week both praised and criticised Paqueta for how he handled the transfer, calling him "a special player" and saying the break "was not the proper way" but acknowledging Paqueta wanted to go to Brazil and wishing him the best.

Speaking to Flamengo TV after the deal, Paqueta said: "Maybe Flamengo didn't need me, but I needed Flamengo. I'm very happy to see all the affection... I'm one of you (fans) on the pitch, and I can promise you that won't change. My heart is red-black, and I will demonstrate that on the field."

With Paqueta gone, West Ham must try to stay in the Premier League without one of their key players. The Hammers sit 18th and are five points behind 17th‑placed Nottingham Forest, though they have won their last two league games and travel to Chelsea on Saturday.

lucas paqueta, £36 million transfer, flamengo return, west ham exit, cleared spot-fixing charges, marcos braz approach, nuno espirito santo, premier league survival, nottingham forest, chelsea match, world cup desire, number 10 playmaker