Tottenham Dealt Transfer Blow As £36 Million Target Makes Big Decision

Tottenham look set to miss out on West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is finally nearing an exit from the London club.

The long-running transfer saga surrounding Brazilian international Paqueta appears to finally be reaching a conclusion.

Twenty-eight-year-old attacking midfielder Paqueta has been linked with a move away from West Ham since last year.

He has been heavily linked with London rivals Tottenham, with many expecting him to join.

But it now appears Spurs are set to miss out, with a return to his native Brazil looking likely.

West Ham are keen to offload Paqueta, with funds from his sale needed to reinvest in new additions.

Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi is one West Ham target, while the club have also brought in striker Taty Castellanos from AS Roma.

With the Irons 18th in the table and seven points from safety after this week’s loss to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, it’s clear they need to recruit.

West Ham Preparing For Lucas Paqueta Exit

The Irons bought 61-cap Brazil star Paqueta in 2022 for an initial £36 million, with a further £14.5 in potential add-ons.

While he has shown touches of class, he has failed to deliver what was hoped when he arrived.

OHHH LUCAS PAQUETA THAT IS A STUNNER pic.twitter.com/Umnv2wXtp1

— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) November 2, 2025

With 23 goals and 15 assists in 139 appearances, he hasn’t lived up to expectations.

And an exit now looks likely, with West Ham in a relegation battle.

Discussions over Paqueta leaving the club are advancing, with no shortage of suitors.

Tottenham Set To Lose Out On Lucas Paqueta To Former Club

The former AC Milan, Flamengo and Lyon midfielder has been of particular interest to Tottenham.

But in a major blow for Thomas Fank’s side, former club Flamengo have reportedly entered the race for Paqueta.

It’s not the first time Flamengo have tried to re-sign Paqueta. They also made attempts in 2024, though the deal ultimately fell through.

⚫️ Flamengo have approached West Ham to sign Lucas Paquetá on loan. Negotiations are ongoing on clubs’ side.

Player’s camp also been informed of Flamengo desire to sign Paquetá, as @venecasagrande reported.

Flamengo plan to insist on this deal in the next days. pic.twitter.com/8fByRR52aA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2024

Spurs are not going to give up on signing the West Ham man.

Yet sources have indicated that Paqueta has made clear he would rather return to Brazil.

Reports from Brazil have claimed the player is keen to restart his career with a clean slate, in a familiar environment.

Paqueta underwent a long and difficult trial for alleged betting breaches dating back to 2023.

Although eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, the ordeal has evidently taken its toll.

It is therefore no surprise to see Paqueta wishing to return home and start again.

With one eye on this summer’s World Cup, he will be aiming to regain his form and confidence.

And from West Ham’s perspective, a swift and smooth exit makes sense – provided they get decent money.