The Brazilian club Flemish and the West Ham United They reached an agreement for the return of the midfielder Lucas Paquetá a Rio de Janeiroin what it represents the most expensive transfer in the history of South American football. According to the media Globothe operation was closed for a sum close to 41.25 million euros (255.9 million reais), with payments distributed over 24 months and possible additional variables.
The transfer of Paquetá far exceeds the 27 million euros paid by Cruise al Zenit by Gersonwho until now held the largest registration in the Brazilian market. With this move, the Rio entity reaffirms its position as a leader in sports investments in the region and marks a new milestone in the finances of South American football.
He West Ham United made the player’s departure official through a statement in which he stated: “The West Ham United can confirm that Lucas Paquetá received permission to undergo a medical examination and discuss personal terms with the Brazilian club Flemishafter a fee was agreed for its permanent transfer.” In addition, the document detailed: “Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return to his home in Brazil. and start again after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to resolve, a situation that caused him significant mental strain.”
The English club added in the letter: “Although the Club did everything possible to convince Lucas that he would stay, He has remained firm in his desire to leave. Therefore, the coach and the Club “They have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.”
The statement concluded: “West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our board, players, staff and loyal fans for the unwavering and dedicated support they have shown Lucas during his time at the Club and, in particular, over the last two and a half years. The Club will not be making any further comments at this time.”
The incorporation of Paquetá a Flemish It is framed as a bet with high financial and sporting impact. The footballer will travel this Friday to Rio de Janeiro to undergo medical examinations and seal a five-year contract with the red and black institution, from which he emerged as a professional in 2016. The midfielder returns to Brazil after seven years in European footballperiod in which he defended the colors of AC Milan, Lyon Olympic y West Ham United.
During his time in Europa, Paquetá He played 44 games with the Milan and scored a goal, while in the Lyon He scored 21 goals in 80 games. For the English team, the midfielder made 19 appearances this season, with five goals and one assist, and was part of the squad that won the Conference League in 2023, the first continental title in the history of the London club.
The transfer of Paquetá drives Flemish at the top of signings made by South American clubs. The player moves Gerson (35 million dollars) and other prominent names such as Victor Roque (30 million), Wendel y Thiago Almada (both 23 million), as well as Paulinho y Gabriel Barbosa.
Trained in the lower divisions of the Flemish, Paquetá He debuted in the first team in 2016 and quickly established himself as a starter. In his first cycle with the club, he won a Carioca Championship in 2017. His return occurs in a context in which the Rio club seeks to strengthen its squad and regain prominence at the local and international level.
The club waits complete medical examinations and contract signing in the next few hours to formalize the official announcement and add the midfielder to training.
The 10 most expensive players in South American football
1- Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo) USD 42 million
2- Gerson (Cruzeiro) USD 35 million
3- Vitor Roque (Palmeiras) USD 30 million
4- Wendel (Botafogo) USD 23 million
5- Thiago Almada (Botafogo) USD 23 million
6- Paulinho (Palmeiras) USD 21 million
7- Carlos Alcaraz (Flamengo) USD 21 million
8- Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo) USD 20 million
9- Luiz Henrique (Botafogo) USD 19 million
10- Gerson (Flamengo) USD 17 million
