West Ham United disrupt plans as Flamengo pursue Lucas Paqueta signing

The Brazilian outlet’s print edition on 11 July, page 14, reported that negotiations involving West Ham have complicated the potential switch for 26-year-old Lucas Paqueta, making discussions ongoing and challenging.

According to O Dia’s report, Flamengo is not only pursuing Paqueta but also aiming to secure the signings of Zenit’s Brazilian international Claudinho and Lazio midfielder Marcos Antonio on loan during this transfer window.

Paqueta’s future remains uncertain due to pending FA charges related to alleged betting breaches, charges he has consistently denied. Flamengo has been actively seeking to bring him back to the club where he began his career on loan.

Despite the current uncertainties surrounding Paqueta, West Ham has shown no indication that they are willing to approve such a loan move. From the Hammers’ perspective, allowing Paqueta to leave on loan would not be advantageous. Selling the Brazilian star is unlikely at this point, so retaining him and utilizing him within the squad seems more beneficial while awaiting clarity on his future.

While such a move might appeal to Paqueta personally, there is little indication that West Ham will agree to a deal. This latest report casts further doubt on any possibility of persuading them otherwise.

As things stand, it seems unlikely that Paqueta will depart West Ham before the start of the Premier League season.