West Ham United have confirmed to Flamengo that they accept the Brazilian club’s €40 million offer for Lucas Paquetá, submitted on Thursday. However, the Premier League side has introduced new additional terms, turning negotiations into a “game of patience.”
According to sources, West Ham have presented Flamengo with two options, both involving installment plans: either the Brazilian club pays a higher upfront fee immediately, or the fixed transfer fee in the deal is increased. West Ham have rejected Flamengo’s initial proposal of a €35 million fixed component.
Despite this, Flamengo remain optimistic about reaching an agreement but acknowledge the deal may not be finalized quickly. The Rio de Janeiro-based club hopes to sign the player immediately once payment terms are settled. Paquetá himself has agreed personal terms with Flamengo on a four-year contract, though the club expects the process will not be rapid.
Flamengo have no intention of raising their total €40 million offer but say they are open to renegotiating specific payment conditions as requested. Meanwhile, West Ham are reluctant to lose their midfield core at this stage, as the club is embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle, hence prolonging negotiations.
Flamengo are pushing to complete the deal quickly, as they do not want to wait until the summer to sign Paquetá. It should be noted that the Brazil international is currently injured, having missed West Ham’s recent matches due to back pain.
West Ham manager Nuno said at a press conference: “Paquetá will not be in the squad for the game against Sunderland. Everyone knows my opinion of him, but we have to deal with his situation on a daily basis and try to find a solution. What happened in the past created problems, and now that those things are over, I hope Paquetá and the club can find a way forward so we can move on.”
Paquetá moved from Flamengo to AC Milan in 2018, later played for Lyon in Ligue 1, and arrived in England in 2022. The midfielder has spent four seasons at West Ham, with his current contract running until June 2027.
