Gonzalo Plata
West Ham United have tracked Gonzalo Plata for months now. Links have appeared regularly since late last year. But what once felt like background noise may now be turning into a real opportunity.
In 2025, Plata had a solid role in Flamengo’s squad across competitions. In the Brazilian league alone, he made 28 appearances, scoring 4 goals and adding 1 assist in 1,345 minutes. He missed many games due to injuries, but was one of the first names on the team sheet when available.
Across other competitions, he added 7 Libertadores appearances (0 goals, 2 assists) and 3 Club World Cup games, taking his total involvement well beyond 35 matches. So he remained involved in a Flamengo side that won major trophies during the year.
This season tells a very different story. So far in 2026, Plata has played just 2 league matches, with 125 minutes, 1 goal and no assists. That sharp drop in minutes and influence gives immediate context to what is now happening behind the scenes.
That contrast helps explain why interest from abroad has not disappeared. Even with a quieter spell, his profile still appeals. He offers pace, direct running and defensive work from wide areas.
Those traits have been highlighted in earlier reports linking him to West Ham – especially as a consequence of the Lucas Paquetá deal.
That included informal signals, social media posts and even suggestions of a farewell gathering. Now, fresh reporting gives that situation a much clearer football context.
Situation at Flamengo opens door
Gonzalo Plata is going through his most difficult spell since arriving at Flamengo. Under manager Leonardo Jardim, the winger has lost his place in the squad and is no longer a regular option.
RTI Esporte report that his recent absence against Corinthians was not an isolated decision. Instead, it reflects a wider process happening behind the scenes. There is a perception inside the club that his performances in training have dropped after being left out. In addition, disciplinary concerns have started to weigh heavily.
The report highlights issues such as delays, lack of effort in training and behaviour away from the pitch. Those factors have damaged his standing within the squad. As a result, he now sits at the bottom of the attacking pecking order.
His recent minutes underline that drop. He played 17 minutes against Fluminense, four against Botafogo, and did not feature at all in other matches. He was then left out entirely against Corinthians.
Contract, investment and market value
Despite the situation, Flamengo are not in a rush to cut ties cheaply. Gonzalo Plata remains under contract until August 2029. The club invested €9m (£7.7m) to sign him in 2024, so there is a clear need to recover value.
However, the stance has softened. RTI Esporte state that Flamengo would now consider offers. The player is no longer viewed as untouchable. Given his age, 25, and international experience with Ecuador, the belief is that there is still a market abroad.
Leonardo Jardim also addressed the situation directly. He made it clear the issue goes beyond pure football.
“It is a player who is having difficulties with integration, a broad integration. At this moment, to play for Flamengo, you need to be well integrated. You need concentration, attitude and strong physical commitment to fight for results.”
Why this matters for West Ham
For West Ham, this could be the moment where months of loose links finally align with reality. The club have looked at attacking reinforcements, especially profiles that bring intensity and defensive work from wide areas.
Plata fits that description. Earlier reports highlighted his ability to press and recover possession high up the pitch, with averages close to three ball recoveries per match.
More importantly, his situation has changed. What was once a difficult deal is now far more realistic. Flamengo are open to discussions, the player has lost his place, and external interest is building again.
Add in the background noise involving Lucas Paquetá, and the wider picture becomes even more interesting.
What happens next
Gonzalo Plata now heads into the next transfer window as one of the most likely departures at Flamengo. The club want a response from the player, but they are also preparing for a potential exit.
For West Ham, the window in the summer could present a clear opportunity. Interest has been there for months. Now, the conditions around the player may finally make a move possible.