West Ham United have agreed a £35.8 million verbal deal with Flamengo for the sale of key midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
According to Sky Sports, Lucas Paqueta could be on his way back to Brazil and join former side Flamengo. The Brazilian side found a way as West Ham United agreed a £35.8 million verbal deal with them to sell their key midfielder.
Lucas Paqueta has been the main story over at the London Stadium this month, after the midfielder expressed his desire to leave and join his former side, Flamengo, in his native Brazil. The key West Ham star was the subject of intense speculation last summer when he chose to stay amid big interest from Aston Villa.
West Ham were initially reluctant to let the midfielder depart, considering they are fighting to survive in the Premier League. They felt that having a player like Paqueta would be crucial in their relegation fight, but at the moment, they may have reluctantly agreed to a sale.
Flamengo were the main contenders, with reports stating that Paqueta snubbed other advances from a few teams to make his choice clear. The Brazilian side had found an agreement with the player earlier, but were finding it difficult to convince West Ham United.
Given that the Brazilian transfer market is open until March, Flamengo were even expected to return in the period after the European window shuts. They failed with a bid earlier, and now it appears the Hammers have agreed a £35.8 million verbal deal with Flamengo for the transfer of Paqueta.
Are West Ham making the right decision?
West Ham have bought in some new faces to the club in the January window, and it has had it’;s impact as the Hammers are showing an upturn in their form. However, losing a player of Paqueta’s calibre will be a blow for the Hammers.
They do have other stars, but Paqueta brings a level of influence and gameplay that only a few others can. Hence, it might be a silly decision to make to sell the Brazilian midfielder, as this call may come back to bite West Ham in their efforts to stay afloat in the Premier League beyond this season.
