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West Ham Sells Lucas Paquetá Back to Flamengo for £35.5M

1/28/2026

45 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

West Ham United has agreed to sell Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo for over £35.5 million.
Paquetá joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022.
Flamengo pressed for an immediate move before February 2.
West Ham initially kept him on loan until season's end.
The move marks Paquetá's return to Flamengo, his boyhood club, with Flamengo reportedly finalizing payment terms.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, Brazil enacted the "Pelé Law" to regulate football player transfers and enhance youth development. This legislation enabled clubs like Flamengo, renowned for nurturing talents such as Zico and Ronaldinho, to retain homegrown players. The recent £35.5 million transfer of Lucas Paquetá back to Flamengo highlights the ongoing trend of prioritizing local talent in football, reflecting the financial dynamics of modern transfers.

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Story summary

West Ham United has agreed to sell Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo for over £35.5 million.
Paquetá joined West Ham from Lyon in 2022.
Flamengo pressed for an immediate move before February 2.
West Ham initially kept him on loan until season's end.
The move marks Paquetá's return to Flamengo, his boyhood club, with Flamengo reportedly finalizing payment terms.

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