Lucas Paquetá sets Brazilian transfer record with Flamengo return

Flamengo have officially completed the signing of midfielder Lucas Paquetá from West Ham United. The deal is worth close to €42 million, making it the most expensive transfer in the history of Brazilian and Latin American domestic football.
Paquetá joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022 and went on to become a key figure for the Premier League side. During his time in east London, he was involved in one of the most high-profile controversies in modern Premier League history and made 139 appearances for the club, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists.
The Brazilian midfielder has signed a long-term contract with his boyhood club, committing his future to Flamengo until December 2030.
Earlier, Paquetá informed West Ham of his desire to return to Brazil for personal and family reasons, following the lifting of allegations related to match-fixing — accusations that had threatened to bring his career to an abrupt end.
1º dia no seu lar, Paquetá! 🏠
— Flamengo (@Flamengo) January 30, 2026
O mais novo reforço do Mengão retorna ao Ninho do Urubu onde foi recebido pelo Diretor José Boto! #BemVindo #PaqueFla pic.twitter.com/Gtlit0DGxA
