Flamengo have made Lucas Paquetá their number one transfer target, but any move to bring the midfielder back to Brazil depends on the outcome of an ongoing betting investigation by the English FA – and a full acquittal is currently seen as unlikely.
According to [Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola](https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=6iC_7XW8vaKxU_kq&v=GC1ROqcAclI&feature=youtu.be), the Rio de Janeiro side are ready to pursue the West Ham player as soon as he is cleared.
Paquetá was charged in May with allegedly forcing yellow cards in four Premier League matches to benefit suspicious betting activity linked to people in Brazil. Although the midfielder denies any wrongdoing, sources close to the case believe the chances of a full acquittal are slim.
Despite the uncertainty, Flamengo continue to plan behind the scenes. Nicola reports that the club view Paquetá as their “plan A” for the current window and are monitoring the situation carefully.
The midfielder, who left the club for AC Milan in 2018, has expressed a desire to return to Rio, and his family is reportedly in favour of the move as well.
West Ham are understood to be open to negotiating a transfer if the player is cleared, but have set a price tag of €40m (around £33.7m). Flamengo consider that figure excessive and would attempt to lower the cost or involve sponsors to help finance the deal.
Salary would also be a major issue. Paquetá currently earns over R$4m per month in England, while Flamengo are only willing to offer up to R$2.5m. Closing that gap would require a substantial pay cut, but the player’s willingness to return could help make it possible.
Flamengo previously tried to sign Paquetá in late 2024, but talks didn’t advance. The club now hope to reopen negotiations if the player avoids suspension, although the legal scenario remains the biggest obstacle.
As it stands, the dream of a return is alive, but far from simple, and entirely dependent on a verdict that may not go in the player’s favour.