Lucas Paqueta celebrating for West Ham looking towards the Flamengo logo in a circle inset
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Tue 28 October 2025 18:30, UK
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta looks set to head towards the exit door in January.
Paqueta has struggled at West Ham this season after contributing to just two Premier League goals for the London Stadium club.
There was hope for an improved version of the Brazilian this season after Paqueta turned down an Aston Villa move on deadline day.
Nuno Espirito Santo has come under fire at West Ham and has struggled to truly get the best out of the attacking midfielder since coming in.
Paqueta could now look to find a route out of East London with a return to Flamengo potentially on the cards, moving closer towards the winter window.
Lucas Paqueta playing for West Ham looking shocked
credit: Imago
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Lucas Paqueta wants to leave West Ham
West Ham could have accepted a Villa bid for Paqueta, as Unai Emery’s side showed keen interest in signing the 28-year-old.
A deal never went through, and the ex-Lyon man showcased this with his celebration in the 3-0 away win against Nottingham Forest.
The number 10 pretended to pick up the phone, then threw it away and kissed the West Ham badge in front of the travelling supporters.
It appears that this counted for nothing, as The Times reported on 28 October that Paqueta wants to leave West Ham in January.
The Brazilian is keen to move on from the London Stadium, despite his being contracted in E20 until 2027.
Flamengo tabled a loan bid over the summer and showed bigger interest than anyone in England, but it is unclear whether they could meet West Ham’s financial demands to complete a permanent transfer.
Paqueta hasn’t been good enough for West Ham
The former Flamengo man may be up for touches and key passes per 90 this season, but he is generally performing worse statistically.
Paqueta’s expected assist, big chances created and pass accuracy numbers are down compared to last campaign.
Lucas Paqueta's 2024/25 and 2025/26 Premier League seasons
Paqueta’s 2024/25 and 2025/26 Premier League seasons
The annoyance is that Nuno is almost forced into starting him due to the lack of quality elsewhere in the Hammers’ squad right now.
He has been far from good enough and is actually deserving of being dropped, as his lack of goals and assists continues to represent a worry.
Should he leave, the influx of transfer funds could be a boost, though suitors could be hard to come by in January.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Ham United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@westhamzone247