West Ham block €40m bid for star player as player pushes for January exit

Brazilian giants Flamengo have launched a stunning €40m (£34.7m) bid for West Ham United playmaker Lucas Paquetá, sparking a high-stakes standoff in the January transfer window.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Sky Sports journalistA verbal agreement on personal terms between the 28-year-old and his boyhood club is already “concluded and confirmed”, leaving the final decision entirely in the hands of the Hammers board.

As Flamengo push to finalize the deal with ‘immediate effect’, West Ham remain firm on their stance.

?? Flamengo push to sign Lucas #Paqueta with immediate effect. A verbal agreement between the 28-year-old and Flamengo is concluded and confirmed.

Everything now depends on West Ham, and it’s not easy. As things stand, there is no green light from the club yet. Talks in progress.… pic.twitter.com/LnfvxmwF2R

– Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 12, 2026

The London club, currently embroiled in a grueling Premier League relegation battle under Nuno Espírito Santo, are desperate to keep their star man at least until the end of the season.

West Ham have reportedly rejected Flamengo’s opening approach, despite the hefty fee on offer.

Club hierarchical views Lucas Paquetá as essential to their hopes of survival, especially after the recent signing of Taty Castellanos to strengthen the attack.

Plettenberg reports that although the Hammers have “blocked all offers” so far, Flamengo are undeterred and are expected to return with an improved proposal in excess of €40 million.

??? As reported today, West Ham are currently blocking all offers from Flamengo. However, a new offer of more than 40 million euros is expected. #WHUFC ?? https://t.co/KvWnT8SQJ8

– Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 12, 2026

For the West Ham board, the dilemma is whether to cash in on a player whose heart is clearly elsewhere or risk retaining an hapless asset during a critical period of the campaign.

Lucas Paqueta pushes for West Ham exit

The situation deteriorated behind the scenes, with a prominent X insider claiming that Paqueta was on an “unofficial strike” to force the move.

The Brazil international was notably absent from West Ham’s recent FA Cup win over QPR, having apparently asked not to be selected.

While the official reason given was a minor injury, sources close to the player say he is “disillusioned” with life in England.

Paqueta reportedly lobbied for this decision not only for footballing reasons, but also to find a favorable environment in Brazil after a trying period in the Premier League.

Paqueta’s time at West Ham

Paquetá’s tenure at the London Stadium has been a rollercoaster. Initially arriving as a record signing and becoming a fan favorite for his flair and work rate, his career was nearly derailed by a long-running FA investigation into alleged betting violations.

Although he was ultimately exonerated in July 2025 after a two-year ordeal, the mental toll is clear.

Despite a brief resurgence, highlighted by a goal against Nottingham Forest where he imitated throwing a phone, his relationship with English football remains strained.

With a World Cup on the horizon, Paqueta seems convinced that a return to the Maracana is the only way to regain his peace and form.