With this transfer, Paqueta has fulfilled his lengthy‑held ambition by returning to his native Brazil.
He had beforehand appeared settled in English soccer, having been the topic of an £80m bid from Manchester Metropolis in 2023. Nevertheless, fees referring to alleged spot‑fixing noticed the deal collapse, threatened his profession and contributed to a downturn in kind.
These near Paqueta say his psychological well being suffered, he misplaced religion within the English soccer authorities and started to yearn for a return dwelling.
Amid hyperlinks to Flamengo in late December 2024, he quoted a music, Vem Me Buscar, by Brazilian gospel duo Jefferson and Suellen. The lyrics translate as “I am not from right here, I’ll return dwelling, he involves get me and with him I’ll go”.
Though Paqueta finally cleared his identify, he continued to push for a transfer again to Brazil.
Negotiations between West Ham and Flamengo started on 23 December, led by sporting director Jose Boto, and concluded on 28 January. Flamengo have been initially requested to pay round £52m, however negotiated the value right down to £35.5m – a document charge paid by a Brazilian membership.
West Ham have been prepared to be versatile on the value, however needed Paqueta to remain on mortgage till the top of the season to assist them keep away from relegation. Nevertheless, he felt he had outstayed his time in London, and his representatives secured his return to Rio de Janeiro.
In time, Paqueta is more likely to be remembered fondly at West Ham, having helped them win the Europa Convention League, remained an energetic Brazil worldwide throughout his spell and performed a key function in one of many membership’s strongest sides lately below former supervisor David Moyes.
