West Ham United have now opened the door to a very specific compromise in talks over Lucas Paquetá, adding a genuinely new layer to negotiations with Brazilian side Flamengo.
The update comes from journalist Venê Casagrande and it claims that Paquetá has already agreed a four-year contract with Flamengo. Talks between the clubs continue to move forward, and optimism has grown among Flamengo officials and the player’s representatives.
As first reported in England and later confirmed in Brazil, West Ham have told Flamengo they are willing to sell Paquetá in January. However, they have set a clear condition. The Premier League side want the midfielder to remain in London on loan until the end of the season, on 30 June. West Ham are fighting relegation and still view Paquetá as their most important player for the run-in.
Under those terms, West Ham are ready to lower their asking price to £38.5m (€45m). Flamengo, so far, have offered up to £29.9m (€35m). The Brazilian club are now studying the proposal and preparing a response. And Flamengo fans are still divided on whether this kind of agreement is worth it.
West Ham show a little flexibility
Either way, Paquetá has already spoken directly with West Ham’s hierarchy about his stance. He stressed that his desire to leave is not about the club. Instead, he wants to step away from European football and return home to Brazil.
This proposed formula changes the tone of the talks. The Hammers have shown flexibility, Flamengo now have a clear scenario to assess, and the next move will decide whether this deal can finally move forward.
There’s an opening here for Flamengo to take, and West Ham have shown some flexibility. Should the Brazilian club push for a lower fee, and the Hammers refuse, then Lucas Paquetá may try to force things further.
