West Ham United have now put a clear price tag on any potential deal for Lucas Paquetá, as fresh reports from Brazil also help define the likely timing of a transfer.
Brazilian journalist Venê Casagrande reports that West Ham want £42.5m (just under €50m) to negotiate Paquetá’s sale. That figure, however, would only apply to a move at the end of the European season.
Flamengo know the challenge they face. Even so, the Brazilian club plan to keep pushing, largely because Paquetá is keen on a return.
That willingness from the player matters. According to Globo Esporte, Flamengo trust Paquetá’s stance and see it as their main leverage. Internally, the club have set a maximum offer of £34.1m (€40m), despite West Ham’s higher demands.
Talks between club and player have been ongoing for around a month. During that time, salary and contract length have already been agreed with Paquetá and his representatives.
However, convincing West Ham remains the key hurdle. Flamengo themselves describe the deal as complicated, even with personal terms already aligned.
ESPN add another important detail. West Ham are set to hold an internal meeting with shareholders this weekend. One topic on the agenda is whether the club should lower Paquetá’s valuation.
West Ham thinking things through
Still, the same report stresses that West Ham believe the midfielder remains highly valued across Europe. As a result, they feel they could even push for a higher fee.
For now, the positions are clear. West Ham want £42.5m (€50m). Flamengo are working up to £34.1m (€40m). Paquetá continues to push for a return. How much those figures shift will decide the next stage of this transfer story.
it’s worth noting the midfielder turns 29-years-of-age in August. At that age, €50m would be a lot for a big European club, and €40m would be colossal for Flamengo. The Brazilian club’s record arrival is currently €22.5m for 25-year-old Samuel Lino.
