West Ham United have rejected a second offer for Lucas Paqueta, with the club determined not to sell the Brazil international for less than his original transfer fee.
Brazilian giants Flamengo have stepped up their efforts to re-sign Paqueta during the January transfer window, but their latest proposal has again fallen short of West Ham’s valuation.
The Hammers are currently battling to avoid relegation and are reluctant to weaken their squad midway through the season, particularly given Paqueta’s importance when fit.
£36m Lucas Paqueta bid rejected by West Ham
Flamengo’s second bid is understood to be worth around £36 million including add-ons, but West Ham are believed to be holding out for a significantly higher figure.
The Premier League club had already rejected an earlier approach this month, in the region of £30m, and are thought to value Paqueta closer to the £50m mark, especially given his status as a regular Brazil international.
Flamengo are keen to bring the midfielder back to Rio de Janeiro, where he began his professional career, but negotiations are proving difficult due to the gap in valuation.
West Ham’s stance is also influenced by their league position, with the club sitting in the relegation zone and prioritising survival over short-term transfer income.
How much did West Ham pay for Lucas Paqueta when they signed him?
West Ham broke their transfer record to sign Paqueta in August 2022 when he arrived from Lyon in a deal worth £51.3m.
That deal included a guaranteed transfer fee of £36.7m, plus up to £14.6m in add-ons.
He has since scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists in 110 Premier League games for the Hammers, while also moving onto 61 caps and 12 goals for Brazil at senior international level.
Although Paqueta, now 28, is three and a half years older than he was when he moved to the London Stadium, West Ham believe he is still worth at least what they paid for him and do not intend to sell him for a…
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