South American reports show a big shift in West Ham United‘s stance on Lucas Paquetá. The London club look ready to let their unhappy Brazilian playmaker leave. Sources close to the talks, specifically Paparazzo Rubro-Negro and Raísa Simplício, say the Hammers have dropped their price. This news puts Flamengo on high alert.
West Ham Signal Compromise: Reduced Fee Sparks Flamengo Optimism for Paquetá Reunion
West Ham originally wanted around £42.5m (just under €50m). Now, new updates suggest the East London board will take closer to £38.3m (€45m). This lower price has pushed the Rio de Janeiro giants to move faster.
The same reporters say Flamengo bosses are getting a formal bid ready. They might send it as early as Friday. The figures now fit West Ham’s new price tag. It shows the two sides are moving past early chats and into real deal-making.
The news comes after days of rumours about Paquetá’s future. The midfielder reportedly asked to stay out of the squad for the recent FA Cup game against QPR. The 28-year-old clearly wants to go back to his first club. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo told the public it was a back injury, but the word from Brazil is that the player is forcing a move.
A Necessary Gamble in East London
West Ham’s choice to lower the price shows they are simply facing facts. Keeping a star player who doesn’t want to be there rarely works out on the pitch. That is especially true while the team fight to stay in the Premier League. The Hammers are 18th in the table right now. In this spot, they need every player to give 100%. A frustrated Paquetá, thinking about a move to Rio, won’t help Nuno win a relegation battle.
Timing is everything here. Officials cleared Paquetá last July after the betting probe that hung over him through 2024 and early 2025. Even so, the Brazilian hasn’t been consistent. He has four goals in 18 games this season, but he often disappears in the big moments. West Ham have to choose: do they keep his talent, or do they take the £38m and fix the rest of the team? They badly need better defenders and a striker who wants to be there.
It makes sense for Flamengo to keep pushing. They see a chance to bring home a world-class player for cheap. For West Ham, selling now stops the drama from dragging on. If they get the cash fast and find hungry new players before the window closes, this price cut might actually save their season. Sticking to a high price for a player who is already gone in his head would be a costly mistake.
