Lucas Paqueta wants to leave West Ham United and return to Brazil, even if he is acquitted of the charges currently against him.
That’s according to GOAL Brasil, who report that the midfielder wanted to leave West Ham in the summer transfer window but was blocked from doing so.
They report that Paqueta is determined to return to Brazilian football, and he would have gotten his wish earlier this year if West Ham had not stood in his way.
He had a deal agreed to join Flamengo, but West Ham ruled out selling the 27-year-old at that point. Paqueta has maintained his desire to return to Brazil, though.
A move is unlikely to happen in the January transfer window, but West Ham no longer treat him as a ‘non-negotiable’. In simpler terms, they’ll sell but want ‘a good amount’ to do so.
Much is likely to depend on the outcome of his trial for alleged betting offences in Brazil, which is set to take place in March 2025. The positive for him, is that Botafogo have already shown interest in him too, so may be another option in future.
Even if he is found innocent, Paqueta intends to leave West Ham and return to Brazil and with the Hammers willing to sit down and talk to interested parties, there’s a distinct possibility it will happen.
