“SHOCKER: Joao Felix DROPS BOMBSHELL Transfer Verdict, Leaving West Ham’s £25M Deal in TATTERS!”

A current AC Milan playmaker and a former one—two exceptionally gifted footballers whose careers have yet to reach their full potential.

Each faces unique obstacles, whether it’s the instability of their club situation or distractions away from the pitch.

Joao Felix, once the fourth-most expensive player in football history, has made just ten league starts this season across his stints at Chelsea and AC Milan.

Meanwhile, although recent speculation suggested Lucas Paqueta had played his final game for West Ham United, those reports turned out to be inaccurate.

The Brazilian midfielder was involved in the club’s recent loss to Nottingham Forest. Still, a potential lifetime ban from professional football looms over him due to alleged spot-fixing, casting significant doubt on his future—both at West Ham and in football more broadly.

With uncertainty surrounding Paqueta, there are indications that West Ham may be preparing to sell the player and sever ties.

Flamengo, a club with longstanding interest in bringing him back to Brazil, would ordinarily welcome the chance to re-sign their former star, especially for a reported cut-price fee of £25 million.

However, these are far from ordinary circumstances.

According to Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola, a move to Flamengo is “impossible” until a verdict is reached on whether Paqueta is guilty or cleared of the match-fixing allegations, as reported by The Telegraph. That decision is expected in June.

In the interim, Flamengo turned their attention to another marquee name—Joao Felix. However, negotiations with the Portuguese attacker were short-lived.

Flamengo’s sporting director, Jose Boto, held a video call with Felix and his representatives, during which the forward politely declined the offer.

Nicola explained: “Joao Felix gave a final response to Flamengo, ending negotiations.

He appreciated the interest and mentioned he has been following Flamengo’s matches but expressed his clear intention to remain in European football.”

Felix did, however, leave the door slightly open, noting that a move to Flamengo would only become an option if no opportunities materialized in Europe.

As Flamengo anxiously awaits the outcome of Paqueta’s disciplinary case, Felix’s decision to stay in Europe puts added weight on the outcome of West Ham’s number ten.

The Brazilian club remains interested but is unwilling to move forward until the situation is clarified.

Paqueta himself recently showed signs of emotional strain. During a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, he was visibly emotional after receiving a yellow card—an incident that highlights the intense pressure he’s under amid ongoing uncertainty.

Fortunately, a resolution appears near. With a ruling expected in the coming weeks, the cloud of doubt that has hovered over Paqueta for nearly two years may finally lift.

Nicola commented, “The big question is: which club—either in Brazil or elsewhere—will initiate talks with West Ham regarding Paqueta? Especially considering that a verdict could arrive at any time.”

“There is a genuine possibility he could face a ban from football.”

Flamengo continues to monitor the situation closely. The club views Paqueta as a top-quality reinforcement for their squad.

Still, as Nicola emphasized, no concrete proposal is expected until the final judgment is announced.