Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has provided a West Ham transfer update, suggesting that Lucas Paqueta is on the verge of joining boyhood club Flamengo.
Vinicius Junior On West Ham Transfer Talk
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has provided a West Ham transfer update.
The Brazilian, speaking after registering a goal and two assists in his side’s 6-1 win over Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday, opened up on Lucas Paqueta’s rumoured Hammers exit.
Paqueta has long been linked with a move away from the London Stadium.
He came close to joining Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in 2023, however the transfer fell through after an investigation was opened into the midfielder over alleged betting breaches.
The 28-year-old was cleared of the charges against him back in July 2025.
Additionally, the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea and more have all been listed as potential destinations for Paqueta in previous years.
But now, he is reportedly pushing for a return to boyhood club Flamengo.
According to reports, Paqueta is set to rejoin the Brasilerao champions in a £38m deal.
This is despite Nuno Espirito Santo saying he is ‘definitely happy’ at West Ham last month.
Vinicius, who described Paqueta as his ‘best friend in football’ after coming through the ranks at Flamengo alongside one another, has seemingly confirmed the midfielder’s imminent exit.
He told TNT Sports Brasil: “I ask my agents every day about Paquetá and his move to Flamengo, who are also his agents. His happiness is mine, and Flamengo’s happiness is ours.
“God willing, in the next few days he could close this deal.”
Paqueta Exit A ‘Major Blow’ for West Ham
Paqueta’s prospective exit comes as a major blow for the Hammers and their survival hopes.
He has featured in 19 games for the east London club across all competitions this term, registering a total of five goals and one assist as they sit in the Premier League’s relegation zone.
The Hammers are ranked among the favourites in the Premier League relegation odds market.
This despite a crucial 2-1 win away at Tottenham Hotspur last time out. That result saw them move within five points of safety, as they remain in 18th place in the English top-flight table.
Prior to that win, the Hammers were winless in 10 straight league matches. As a result, head coach Espirito Santo was among the favourites in the Premier League sack race odds market.
He has since drifted out to 12/1, suggesting he is not under immediate pressure.
Should that situation change, former boss Slaven Bilic is reportedly waiting patiently to make a sensational return. He leads as the favourite in the next West Ham manager odds market.
Meanwhile, a few incoming transfers could soften the blow of Paqueta’s potential departure.
According to reports, West Ham are targeting Bobby Thomas from Coventry in their hunt for a new centre-back, while they are also eyeing Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.
Additionally, Gonzalo Plata is a target, alongside Venezuelan winger Keiber Lamadrid.
The Hammers return to action with a home clash against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
