Paqueta Turned Down Chelsea and Spurs to Complete Flamengo Return

Lucas Paqueta's departure from West Ham this month has taken on fresh significance with the Brazilian playmaker now confirming that two of English football's biggest names attempted to lure him away from the Hammers before he ultimately secured his move back to Flamengo.

The transfer, valued at approximately £36m, ranks among the window's most substantial deals. For West Ham, it represents a significant loss given Paqueta's standing as one of their most gifted attacking talents, though his disciplinary concerns and unwavering desire to return home appear to have made the parting relatively straightforward. The club has nevertheless managed to strengthen their attacking options under Nuno Espirito Santo and currently sit just five points outside the relegation zone.

Speaking following his return to his childhood club, Paqueta articulated the emotional pull that ultimately swayed his decision. "Maybe Flamengo didn't need me, but I needed Flamengo," he explained, emphasizing the personal rather than professional calculus behind his choice.

"I'm very happy to see all the affection, because I feel very identified. I'm one of you on the pitch, and I can promise you that won't change. My heart is red-black, and I will demonstrate that on the field. Huge happiness to be back. I dreamed a lot about this moment. All I want is to enjoy this joy of finally being home. I want to be happy, give joy to the Nation and give my best – I continue."

The midfielder's off-field complications, stemming from his ongoing betting allegations, evidently played a role in his thinking. Yet what stands out most starkly is his candid revelation about how little the overtures from Stamford Bridge and Tottenham actually mattered to him.

"Tottenham called, Chelsea called, and the funny thing is that Tata (his agent) called all excited and said: 'Chelsea's calling, they're gonna make an offer,'" Paqueta recounted with a note of amusement at the situation.

"I replied: 'Okay, but what about Flamengo?' He said: 'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yeah, I don't care about that. I want to hear about Flamengo,' and that's how it all turned out."

This wasn't merely an impulsive decision. In an interview dating back to November 2025, Paqueta had already signalled his intentions clearly. He acknowledged that Flamengo's former vice president Marcos Braz had approached him once his legal troubles emerged, presenting the opportunity to head home. At that juncture, however, Paqueta felt bound by loyalty to West Ham, who had stood by him through turbulent times.

"I know I'll feel good at Flamengo, but I can't be ungrateful to the club that's supporting me so much," he had said previously. "They supported me a lot at all times, helped me in various situations, so I couldn't force an exit from a place where I was being welcomed and respected. They respected me, my wife, my family."

That gratitude eventually gave way to the pull of home, and Flamengo finally got their man.