Is Paqueta's £35.5m Move to Flamengo the Right Call for West Ham?

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá has completed a transfer back to his first club, Flamengo, for approximately £35.5 million, fulfilling his long-held ambition to return to Brazil. The 28-year-old Brazilian international, who has made 61 appearances for his national team, played a significant role during his time in the Premier League, contributing 23 goals and 15 assists in 139 matches for the Hammers.

Last updated: 02 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

Lucas Paquetá's move to Flamengo marks a significant moment in his career, bringing him back to the club where he began his journey as a professional footballer. The transfer, completed just before the January transfer window closed, reflects Paquetá's desire to return to Brazil for personal reasons after facing considerable challenges during his time in the UK.

Paquetá's departure from West Ham comes at a time when the club is struggling in the Premier League, currently sitting just above the relegation zone. With three consecutive wins, the team has proven capable of performing without the Brazilian, yet manager Nuno Espírito Santo acknowledges Paquetá's importance during his tenure.

Key takeaways

Lucas Paquetá has returned to Flamengo for £35.5 million after 18 months at West Ham.
He made 139 appearances for West Ham, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists.
The move was influenced by personal and family reasons, as well as mental health considerations following prior investigations.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey leading to Lucas Paquetá's transfer back to Flamengo includes several key dates:

2018: Paquetá makes his debut for Brazil.
2022: Joins West Ham from Lyon, making an immediate impact in the Premier League.
December 2024: Negotiations begin between West Ham and Flamengo for Paquetá's return.
28 January 2024: The transfer is confirmed, with Paquetá signing a contract until December 2030.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Lucas Paquetá's official transfer to Flamengo has been confirmed, ending speculation about his future. The deal was finalised just before the transfer deadline, allowing him to return home permanently rather than on loan.

What was already established

Prior to the transfer, Paquetá faced significant mental strain due to an investigation into alleged spot-fixing, which had a profound impact on his performance and mental health. Despite being cleared of the charges, the emotional toll contributed to his decision to leave the UK.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the transfer of Paquetá may not directly impact consumers and households in the UK, it does highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Premier League clubs in retaining talent. The performance of West Ham without him will be closely monitored, especially as they fight to avoid relegation.

Businesses and jobs

West Ham's decision to sell Paquetá could impact their financial strategy, especially if they manage to avoid relegation. The transfer fee received from Flamengo may allow the club to reinvest in new players or enhance their squad depth for the remainder of the season.

Policy and regulation

This transfer raises questions about player mental health and the support systems in place within the UK football framework. The scrutiny of players under investigation for alleged misconduct, such as Paquetá's case, may prompt clubs and governing bodies to revisit their policies regarding player welfare and mental health support.

Numbers that matter

£35.5 million: The transfer fee paid by Flamengo for Paquetá, making it a record for a Brazilian club.
139: The number of appearances Paquetá made for West Ham, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists.
61: The total appearances Paquetá has made for the Brazil national team since his debut in 2018.
18: The number of Premier League matches played by Paquetá in the current season.
4: The number of goals scored by Paquetá in the Premier League this season.

Definitions and jargon buster

Spot-fixing: A form of match-fixing where players manipulate specific events within a match for betting purposes.
Premier League: The top tier of English football, consisting of 20 clubs.
Flamengo: A prominent football club based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Paquetá's first professional club.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, West Ham must focus on their upcoming matches to avoid relegation, especially with the pressure of not having Paquetá in the squad. They will need to adjust their tactics and potentially integrate new players if they choose to reinvest the transfer fee.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, West Ham will need to monitor their performance closely. The effectiveness of their squad without Paquetá will be crucial, and they must find a way to maintain form in the league. Flamengo, meanwhile, will be keen to integrate Paquetá into their setup quickly.

Signals to watch

West Ham's league position and performance in upcoming matches.
Paquetá's adaptation to Flamengo and his contributions on the pitch.
Potential further transfers from West Ham as they evaluate their squad depth.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on West Ham's performance in the Premier League.
Follow Paquetá's progress and contributions in Brazil.
Stay updated on any further developments regarding player mental health support in football.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the impact of player mental health on performance.
Don’t ignore the potential for West Ham to reinvest the transfer fee strategically.
Don’t assume that Paquetá’s return will be seamless; adaptation to a new environment can take time.

Checklist

Review West Ham's upcoming fixtures and their current league standing.
Monitor Flamengo's performance and how Paquetá fits into their strategy.
Assess ongoing discussions about mental health resources in football.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The recent transfer brings with it uncertainties regarding both clubs. West Ham's ability to stay in the Premier League without a key player like Paquetá remains uncertain, especially as they navigate a difficult season. For Paquetá, while returning home may relieve some mental strain, there is no guarantee that he will instantly rediscover his best form at Flamengo.

Bottom line

Lucas Paquetá's return to Flamengo signifies both a personal resolution for him and a critical juncture for West Ham. As they strive to secure their place in the Premier League, the repercussions of this transfer will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. How both parties adapt to this change will shape their immediate futures in the competitive landscape of football.

FAQs

Why did Lucas Paquetá leave West Ham?

Lucas Paquetá left West Ham to return to Flamengo for personal and family reasons, particularly after experiencing significant mental strain during his time in England.

How much did Flamengo pay for Paquetá?

Flamengo paid approximately £35.5 million for Lucas Paquetá, making it a record transfer fee for a Brazilian club.

What impact did Paquetá have at West Ham?

During his time at West Ham, Paquetá made 139 appearances, scored 23 goals, and provided 15 assists, playing a key role in their success, including winning the Europa Conference League.