Lucas Paqueta Completes Record €42m Flamengo Return from West Ham
Flamengo have signed Brazil international Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United for a club and Brazilian league record fee of €42 million, finalizing a five-year contract for the midfielder. The 28-year-old returns to his boyhood club after two seasons in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly expressing late interest before he opted for a sentimental homecoming.
Paqueta’s arrival at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã stadium drew thousands of fans, echoing historic receptions for Brazilian legends Romario and Ronaldinho. The transfer surpasses Flamengo’s previous record €18 million deal for Gabigol in 2019 and signals the club’s growing financial power. Thiago Freitas of Roc Nation Sports, which represents Paqueta, called the move "a turning point" for Brazilian football’s ability to retain elite talent while competing with European clubs.
Flamengo have aggressively reinvested in experienced stars this summer, securing former Juventus defenders Danilo and Alex Sandro, Atlético Madrid’s Saúl Ñíguez, and Chelsea’s Jorginho. The spending spree follows years of financial restructuring under former president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello, with the club posting record revenues of €320 million in 2025 through commercial deals, matchday income, and consistent continental success – including three Copa Libertadores titles since 2019.
Sport economist Moisés Assayag noted Flamengo now rival mid-tier European clubs financially, aided by Brazil’s booming betting sponsorship market and the league’s rising TV rights value. The trend has seen multiple high-profile returns, including Neymar to Santos and Thiago Silva to Fluminense. Player agent Claudio Fiorito stated staying in Brazil now offers "high-level competitiveness, proximity to the national team, and financial security" previously exclusive to Europe.
Paqueta, who scored 13 goals in 73 appearances for West Ham, joins a Flamengo side managed by former Atlético Madrid defender Filipe Luís. The move positions the Rubro-Negro as favorites for their first Brasileirão title since 2020 and strengthens their bid for a third Club World Cup appearance after reaching the 2022 final against Real Madrid.
