West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if the move includes a loan back until the end of the season, but that condition is facing resistance from Flamengo. Flamengo have had an opening €35m bid rejected and may increase it to around €40m, yet believe they can wait until the summer to secure the player more cheaply.
Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England, despite being cleared of spot-fixing allegations last year. West Ham, however, fear selling him outright could damage their relegation fight, with the club currently seven points below 17th place. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has admitted the situation must be resolved quickly, stressing Paquetá remains one of the club’s best players.
While a sale would boost funds for defensive reinforcements, Flamengo’s reluctance to agree a loan-back clause leaves negotiations uncertain as the Brazilian window stays open until March.
