"A much desired player", President of Flamengo opens up about Paquetá

This Tuesday (17), Rodolfo Landim, president of Flamengo, gave an exclusive interview to TNT Sports, discussing the possible signing of Lucas Paquetá during the last transfer window. The 27-year-old midfielder was the subject of speculation about a possible return to Mais Querido, but, according to Landim, the operation is far from simple.

Landim acknowledged that the CRF showed interest in Lucas Paquetá, currently at West Ham, but highlighted that any negotiation would only be possible in very specific financial circumstances. The director recalled the athlete's high market value and explained that this makes an agreement unfeasible in the current scenario.

"Without a doubt, Paquetá would be a very desired player for Flamengo. However, he was about to be negotiated for 85 million pounds before a recent problem. This value is completely outside the club's reality, so only in an exceptional situation could it come", said the president.

HISTORY AT FLAMENGO AND INTERNATIONAL CAREER

Lucas Paquetá was sold by Rubro-Negro to Milan, from Italy, in 2018, for €35 million (R$135 million at era). The negotiation was one of the most valuable in the club's history, second only to the sale of Vinicius Jr. to Real Madrid. After spells at Milan and Lyon, the midfielder became a key player at West Ham, where he wears the number 10 shirt and is considered one of the English team's main players.

Currently under contract until June 2027, West Ham has no intention of releasing Paquetá to another club. Furthermore, the player is being investigated by the English Federation for alleged fraud in sports betting, which could further complicate any type of negotiation. The English club, however, is confident that the athlete will be cleared, which would make the sale even more difficult.