Luiz Eduardo Baptista
Luiz Eduardo Baptista
A mid-season exit for Lucas Paquetá from West Ham United was never a straightforward scenario. According to Flamengo’s president, the deal only moved forward because of a unique set of circumstances, not because of money alone.
The Brazilian chief explained to Spanish outlet AS that Paquetá had several paths available in Europe. Staying on the continent remained a real option, with interest from different markets.
“He could have continued in Europe if he wanted,” he said. “He received offers from other countries. There were three or four offers for him.”
As we covered at the time, Chelsea and Tottenham were potential suitors.
A personal choice, not a financial one
The president stressed that Paquetá’s decision went beyond sporting or financial logic. At 28, the midfielder faced a moment where personal factors weighed heavily.
“When you are young, you have no worries,” he said. “When you are older, you have a family, children and responsibilities. Decisions become more complex.”
He added that returning to Brazil carried a strong emotional element. Being close to family and feeling comfortable in familiar surroundings mattered as much as football.
“Thinking about being in your country, where you feel well in order to perform your profession, is important,” he explained.
West Ham stance made the deal harder
The Flamengo president confirmed that West Ham initially wanted to keep Paquetá until the end of the European season. Flamengo respected that position, even though it complicated the talks.
“We respected the time of West Ham,” he said. “They were very correct and very direct.”
Flamengo pushed for an immediate move due to the Brazilian calendar. Waiting until mid-year would have created practical issues around fitness, international commitments and availability.
“That is why it was not a simple transaction,” he said. “It was an adjustment. A little tweak here, a little there.”
In the end, the president made clear that the transfer hinged on one decisive factor. Without Paquetá’s personal wish to return, the negotiations would have collapsed.
“I have no doubt that, without the player’s desire to return to Brazil, the negotiation would not have been possible,” he said.