Paqueta Requests Flamengo Transfer from West Ham

Lucas Paqueta, the Brazilian midfielder for West Ham United, has requested a transfer back to his boyhood club Flamengo during the January window, amid growing dissatisfaction with life in England and his team's perilous position in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old, who joined West Ham from Lyon in August 2022 for a reported 51 million pounds, informed the club of his desire to leave ahead of their FA Cup third-round victory over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday. Paqueta, who was fit but asked not to feature in the 2-1 win, has agreed personal terms with Flamengo and is willing to take a pay cut to facilitate the move. Talks between Flamengo and West Ham are underway, with the Brazilian club, recent Copa Libertadores champions, prepared to offer around 40 million pounds for the player.

Paqueta's push for an exit comes as West Ham languishes in 18th place after 21 league matches, five points from safety following a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest last week. The team, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, faces a crucial trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in their bid to avoid relegation to the Championship. Nuno has expressed a preference to retain Paqueta, viewing him as a key...