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Lucas Paquetá is understood to be favouring a return to Brazil with Flamengo, despite reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur, as West Ham United weigh up the future of their midfielder.
Reports in Brazil last week suggested Tottenham had made progress in talks over Paquetá, potentially setting up a rare transfer between the London rivals. Any move would follow Mohammed Kudus’s switch from West Ham to Spurs last summer — the first deal between the two clubs in 14 years.
Paquetá’s standing among West Ham supporters has declined in recent seasons, following inconsistent form, prolonged transfer speculation and an ongoing investigation into alleged betting breaches, which the player denies. Nevertheless, a move to Tottenham would be particularly sensitive, given the rivalry between the clubs.
According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, Tottenham were prepared to outbid Flamengo for the 27-year-old Brazil international. Flamengo have reportedly had a £30m offer rejected by West Ham but are willing to increase their bid to around £35m.
West Ham would ordinarily be expected to consider the highest offer available, but sources suggest the club would be reluctant to sanction another high-profile departure to Spurs, regardless of the fee.
Brazilian journalist Rodrigo Mattos told UOL Esporte that Paquetá’s preference is clear. “He wants to join Flamengo,” Mattos said. “Not only because he does not want to go to Tottenham, despite them being a major English club, but also because of the atmosphere around him in England since the betting investigation began.
“He has suffered significant reputational damage in England, and that is also influencing his desire to leave.”
Paquetá did not feature in West Ham’s recent game against QPR, with reports in Brazil claiming he was unwilling to play as discussions over his future continue. West Ham have not commented publicly on the situation.
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