Flamengo are keen on signing West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá this summer, according to Globo Esporte.
Last month, the FA charged the attacking midfielder for allegedly breaching their betting rules.
The West Ham player graduated from the Brazilian club’s academy and spent three years with their first team before moving to Europe in 2019.
Globo claim Flamengo want to take advantage of his personal situation to bring him back to the club. Their vice-president, Marcos Braz, is leading the pursuit, and has held talks with the Hammers.
The parties first started talks a month ago, and the deal, which is believed to be complex, is in the early stages.
Due to the betting allegations, sources close to the player believe leaving England would benefit him. He’s admired by the Flamengo fans and joining them could ‘provide peace of mind’ for him.
Flamengo’s desire is to find an ‘immediate agreement’, but it will take time as they will need resources to sign him either on loan or a permanent transfer. They will also have to convince the Hammers.
West Ham seem to be willing to sell Paquetá to recover part of the €60m they paid to buy him in 2022.
Globo’s claim is backed up by ESPN in Brazil, who add the parties view the possibility of moving away from England and returning to Flamengo is a ‘good option’ for the 26-year-old.
UOL also say Braz is leading the negotiations to sign Paquetá. They add Flamengo director Bruno Spindel is in London for talks with Julen Lopetegui’s side, but wasn’t accompanied by the vice-president.
Paquetá is ‘in favour’ of returning to his former club due to his good ties with them. UOL state Flamengo are trying to sign him on loan, while the Hammers would prioritise selling the Brazilian this summer.
This is a developing case and there should be more updates on this case soon, but it needs to be remembered that if Paquetá gets a ban it will likely be worldwide.
