West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta has rejoined his boyhood club Flamengo for £35.5m (41m euros), a record fee for a Brazilian club.
The 28-year-old spent four seasons at the London Stadium, scoring 23 goals in 139 appearances and helping the Hammers win the Europa Conference League.
However, a two-year investigation into spot-fixing charges—of which he was ultimately cleared—left the midfielder suffering from “significant mental strain.”
West Ham had hoped to keep the Brazil international on loan until the end of the season to aid their Premier League relegation battle, but Paqueta pushed for an immediate permanent move for personal and family reasons.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo described Paqueta as a “special player” and admitted the circumstances were difficult, but acknowledged the player’s deep desire to return home.
Paqueta has signed a contract with Flamengo until December 2030.
