West Ham United continue to hold firm in talks over Lucas Paquetá, with negotiations now stuck over a relatively small slice of the overall deal.
According to ESPN Brazil, West Ham have already accepted receiving the transfer fee over 24 months. However, the clubs still disagree on how those payments should be split. The total fee is set at £35.3m (€41.25m), with no bonuses included. What remains under debate is how much of that amount lands in 2026.
Why the gap refuses to close
The current gap sits at around £3.4m-£4.3m (€4m-€5m) for payments due next year. Flamengo want to reduce the amount paid in 2026. West Ham want more cash booked earlier. That difference, although small in the context of the deal, has proved decisive.
One source close to the talks told ESPN: “If it goes the way West Ham want, Flamengo will take risks. We will not break our planning.” Another added: “The way we want to close the deal protects us, even if we have a bad financial year. That is responsibility.”
The dispute goes beyond cash flow. As explained on Globo Esporte, how much West Ham receive in each financial year directly affects their financial fair play calculations. That, in turn, impacts how much they can spend on reinforcements in upcoming windows.
Journalist Cahê Mota explained that the clubs already agreed the full fee and the 24-month structure. Flamengo initially wanted 36 months. West Ham pushed for 18. They settled in the middle. Still, the amount scheduled for 2026 remains unresolved.
Flamengo adjust, West Ham resist
Flamengo originally planned to pay £29.9m (€35m) up front. The remaining £5.3m (€6.25m) would be spread out. In recent days, that plan changed. Club president Luiz Eduardo Baptista now prefers a wider spread, keeping cash available for further signings.
Despite that flexibility, West Ham have not moved on their key demand. From their side, every million matters.
But there is still optimism in Brazil. Paquetá has a verbal agreement in place since December. He wants the move. Flamengo continue to play what they call a “game of patience”, which already forced West Ham down from an initial £51.2m (€60m) asking price.
Now, though, the Hammers appear unwilling to budge further. Even €1m could decide when – or if – this deal finally gets done.
