West Ham United are reportedly frustrated after discovering Lucas Paquetá’s agent secretly met with Flamengo officials to discuss a potential transfer. The club, which has stood by the Brazilian amid his ongoing legal issues, views the move as a betrayal.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been a key player for West Ham this season, contributing five goals in 25 appearances. However, recent reports from Brazil claim that his agent met with Flamengo’s director, José Boto, at the club’s training centre last Tuesday.
According to O Dia, the meeting was held in secret, and West Ham only learned about it through the press. The club is reportedly unhappy that Paquetá’s representatives did not inform them in advance.
Paquetá is currently facing charges from the Football Association for allegedly breaching betting regulations, with a hearing expected in the near future. Despite this, West Ham have backed the player, even hiring top lawyer Nick De Marco KC to defend him.
Given their support, the club was caught off guard by the agent’s actions and now views it as an ‘act of betrayal.’ They believe they should have been consulted before any discussions took place.
West Ham are reportedly open to selling Paquetá in the summer, with a £20 million price tag set for the former Lyon star. However, Flamengo are in no rush to make an official move, preferring to wait for the outcome of his FA hearing before determining their next steps.
With tensions rising between West Ham and Paquetá’s camp, this situation could signal the beginning of the end for the Brazilian’s time in London. Whether Flamengo will make a formal bid, however, remains to be seen.