The crisis at West Ham has reached a boiling point as star midfielder Lucas Paquetá has reportedly refused to play in the upcoming London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
With the Hammers mired in a relegation scrap, the Brazilian international is determined to force a permanent return to his boyhood club, Flamengo. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Paquetá has already reached a personal agreement with the Rubro-Negro, leaving the two clubs to battle over a complex financial package.
A Relationship Pushed to the Limit
The standoff has become public, with West Ham owner David Sullivan reportedly frustrated by the player’s stance. According to journalist Marco Mampreso, Paquetá has made it clear that his head is already in Rio de Janeiro, leading to the mutual decision to leave him out of the squad for the vital match against Tottenham.
This follows his absence in the previous fixture against QPR, signaling a complete breakdown in the relationship between the player and the East London hierarchy.
The €20 Million Gap: Negotiation Standoff
While Paquetá is desperate to leave, West Ham is playing hardball to protect its investment:
- West Ham’s Demand: The board is holding out for a €60 million fee to sanction an immediate departure.
- Flamengo’s Offer: The Brazilian giants remain cautious but prepared, willing to invest up to €40 million to bring their homegrown hero back to the Maracanã.
- The Reality: Despite the current €20m valuation gap, West Ham’s precarious financial situation and their looming threat of relegation may force Sullivan to lower his demands before the January window shuts.
Third Time Lucky for Flamengo?
This marks Flamengo’s third attempt to re-sign Paquetá in the last year. However, this is the most confident the Brazilian club has ever been. With the player actively pushing for the move and ruling himself out of Premier League selection, the power dynamic has shifted in favor of the South American giants.
As the clock ticks toward the deadline, West Ham faces a grueling choice: keep an unhappy star in a relegation battle or accept a reduced fee to fund a mid-season rebuild without their #10.
