“Haaland’s SHOCKING Move to West Ham CONFIRMED? Paqueta’s Team in PANIC as January Exit Talks EXPLODE!”

Aston Villa were eager to secure the signing of Lucas Paquetá from West Ham United before the summer transfer window closed — a move the Brazilian midfielder was reportedly open to, according to trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

However, Paquetá made his stance clear in unforgettable fashion during West Ham’s 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest, when he celebrated his goal by pretending to take a phone call before hanging up, wagging his finger to say “no,” and kissing the West Ham badge in front of the jubilant travelling supporters.

The gesture was widely interpreted as his way of confirming his commitment to stay with the club.

Yet, the euphoria surrounding that moment proved to be short-lived. Just a few weeks later, Paquetá shocked supporters by announcing that this would be his final season at West Ham.

In an emotional social media post, the Brazil international confirmed he would leave the club at the end of the campaign.

Paquetá’s current contract technically runs until 2027 and even includes an option for an additional year, but he made it clear that he will not see the deal through.

Despite that, fresh rumours have emerged suggesting that the midfielder could depart even sooner — as early as the January transfer window.

Recent reports from Brazil have claimed that Paquetá is in active talks to return to his homeland, with Flamengo, his boyhood club, said to be pushing hardest to make a deal happen.

Brazilian outlet BolaVIP reported that Flamengo’s technical director, José Boto, has been in “constant dialogue” with the player’s representatives and is “determined to make the emotional reunion happen.”

The report added that the club hopes to bring West Ham’s record £51 million signing back to Rio de Janeiro this winter.

Such speculation has understandably alarmed West Ham supporters.

With the club battling to avoid being drawn into a relegation fight, losing one of their most gifted players midway through the season would be a devastating blow.

It would also be near-impossible for West Ham to find a replacement of Paquetá’s calibre in January.

However, the player’s camp has moved quickly to dismiss the claims. Prominent West Ham insider Sean Whetstone revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that a top source close to Paquetá categorically denied any talks about a January exit.

According to Whetstone, when the speculation from Brazil was put to the source, they laughed off the suggestion, describing it as absurd and comparing it to saying “Erling Haaland will be joining West Ham on loan.”

Whetstone wrote: “The latest reports that Lucas Paquetá will be returning to Brazil this winter have been completely rubbished by a transfer source close to the player.

Yet again, Brazilian outlet BolaVIP have reported Flamengo’s pursuit of their former player, but the source laughed off the idea as ridiculous and without any truth.”

Paquetá’s connection to Flamengo runs deep — he rose through their youth ranks and made 60 senior appearances, scoring 15 goals, before joining AC Milan in 2019 for £35 million.

But despite his fond memories of the Maracanã, those close to him insist that a return home is not on the cards anytime soon.

The denial from Paquetá’s camp comes as a major relief to everyone associated with West Ham.

The midfielder has been one of the team’s standout performers this season, combining flair with a newfound defensive work rate that has impressed new manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

His commitment on the pitch has been evident, suggesting that, at least for now, his focus remains firmly on helping the Hammers navigate a challenging campaign.

Given the support West Ham and their fans showed Paquetá during his recent spot-fixing case ordeal — which ended with him being cleared — many feel he owes the club loyalty and dedication in return.

Earning £150,000 per week, Paquetá has the opportunity to repay that faith by helping ensure West Ham’s Premier League survival before considering his next chapter.