Flamengo have pulled out of the race to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta this summer, according to Vene Casagrande.
Speaking on his YouTube channel [10 July], the Brazilian journalist reports that West Ham have made it clear they have no intention of letting the player leave during the transfer window.
Despite making a loan bid for the playmaker [Fabrizio Romano, 3 July], Flamengo have now walked away from a deal and while they are keeping an eye on any developments as the player wants to move [Vene Casagrande, 5 July], they are now focusing on alternative targets for their squad.
“In relation to Paqueta, now everything is blocked,” he said. “Flamengo won’t make any more moves.
“Flamengo tried the loan, West Ham vetoed the loan. They vetoed a sale also. West Ham doesn’t want to lose the player, but the player will talk to West Ham to try and do his bidding.
“In the meantime, Flamengo is just watching by eye and won’t make any other move to try to get Paqueta.”
West Ham United plan to keep Lucas Paqueta for 2024/25
Despite the ongoing legal case that is hanging over Paqueta’s head, it’s no surprise the board at the London Stadium want to keep him at the club.
The Brazilian remains one of the very best players the club have at their disposal, and the player is adamant he is innocent of what he has been accused of.
If found guilty he faces a potentially lifetime ban, but a hearing isn’t expected to be scheduled for several months [The Sun, 4 June] and until then he is available to play as normal.
For new manager Julen Lopetegui that is a big boost as he will be a key player in the system, and his performances are usually key to good results for the Hammers.
If Paqueta wants to move then any deal would have to suit what the Irons want, and there is absolutely no chance Flamengo will be able to offer that in reality. This move was always unlikely, but now it seems truly dead.
