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Lucas Paqueta latest as West Ham boss calls to 'solve situation' and Flamengo eye transfer
Jan 15 2026 15:17 · By Neil McLeman/Sports Writer · 20 Reads
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Nuno Espírito Santo has stated West Ham have to “solve” the Lucas Paqueta “situation”. The Brazil star missed the FA Cup win over QPR on Sunday amid interest from his former club Flamengo.
There have been suggestions that the Brazilian international is keen to return to his homeland amid the Hammers' dire Premier League campaign and reports that a £30million offer has already been turned down.
Hammers boss Nuno said Paqueta is “still having treatment” on a back condition and is not certain to play in Saturday’s London derby at Tottenham . He said: “Let’s see. We have a couple of days to go.”
Asked if he wants to keep the £51million signing, Nuno replied: “I think it is a situation we have to solve, all of us at the club have to solve. We always want the best players to be involved and Lucas is one of the best players.
"So let’s try and solve the situation we have to solve.”
Paqueta has grown disillusioned with life in England after facing allegations of spot-fixing, which cost him a big-money move to Manchester City in 2023. He was cleared of all charges last year.
Last summer saw Alexander Isak effectively go on strike at Newcastle to force a move to Liverpool while Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is playing out the final year of his contract. Asked which scenario is closer to Paqueta, Nuno added: "This is what I said in the beginning. I think it's a solution that we have to find. Us as a club, the player, myself.
"My job is to prepare the team and to prepare the team with the best players that we have. Lucas is one of the best players. My job is to try and take the best out of all of them."
Paqueta is out of contract in the summer of 2027. He could be sold in this January window although the Brazilian transfer window remains open until March.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.