Lucas Paqueta completes £36.5m Flamengo return after Chelsea, Tottenham interest

Lucas Paqueta said Chelsea and Tottenham enquired about him before he completed a transfer from West Ham to Flamengo on Friday, a move reported at £36.5m. The 28-year-old playmaker had been linked with a return to his boyhood club for months. In November, after being cleared of spot‑fixing charges, Paqueta said Flamengo vice‑president Marcos Braz visited and made an offer, and he admitted he had long wanted to go back but did not want to force an exit from West Ham at the time.

Speaking ahead of the transfer confirmation on Flamengo TV, Paqueta said: 'Maybe Flamengo didn't need me, but I needed Flamengo. I'm very happy to see all the affection... My heart is red‑black, and I will demonstrate that on the field.' He promised to give his best for the club and the fans.

Paqueta also revealed Premier League interest beyond West Ham, saying 'Tottenham called, Chelsea called' and recounting his agent 'Tata' telling him Chelsea were preparing an offer while he remained focused on Flamengo. He was previously linked with Manchester City in 2023 for around £85m before an FA investigation halted that possibility.

West Ham issued a brief statement confirming Paqueta had joined Flamengo for an undisclosed fee, thanking him for his contribution.

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