The truth has now been revealed after claims emerged that a star has thrown a farewell party ahead of a move to West Ham linked to the sale of Lucas Paqueta.
- Hammers News exclusive
It is looking increasingly likely that West Ham will sell Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo for around £38m.
Paqueta has not featured in West Ham’s last two games – wins over QPR and Spurs – with his camp claiming he has a back injury.
In the background, it is reported Paqueta is desperately pushing West Ham to let him return to his boyhood club Flamengo.
Paqueta has not been training with the full Hammers team and looks to have played his last game for the club.
Especially after West Ham accused Paqueta of ‘lies’ and ‘playing games’ as he looks to force a London Stadium exit.
Star ‘throws farewell party’ amid claims he’s joining West Ham
The Hammers are facing an uphill battle to stay in the Premier League.
But new life was breathed into their chances by the 2-1 victory at Spurs, which was achieved without Paqueta.
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Nuno Espirito Santo will undoubtedly have to replace the Brazilian if he does depart.
As a result, Gonzalo Plata has become an unexpected focal point in the latest Paquetá speculation.
Now the truth can be revealed as the star ‘throws a farewell party’ amid claims he’s joining West Ham.
Last week it was claimed West Ham are preparing to sign powerful forward Plata from Flamengo as part of the Paqueta deal.
In fact it was reported that Flamengo’s desperation to bring Paqueta home – highlighted by secret calls between the West Ham ace and the Brazilian giants’ manager Filipe Luis – gave the Hammers a very good hand in trying to sign Plata.
Now it has been claimed in Brazil that Plata has already held a farewell party ahead of a proposed move — with West Ham swiftly name-checked as a possible destination.
According to reports in Brazil from Flamengo insiders, ‘Plata threw a big party yesterday morning, which sources called a “farewell party”.
It sparked speculation the Ecuadorian is on his way out of Flamengo imminently as part of the deal to bring Paqueta back to the club from West Ham.
Truth behind Plata links to West Ham
The claims have gathered traction amid heightened talks between West Ham and Flamengo over Paquetá’s future.
But Hammers News can reveal the truth behind suggestions that Plata is bound for east London.
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West Ham’s negotiations with Flamengo intensified this week following a meeting between Paqueta and Nuno which was escalated to David Sullivan.
The Hammers boss allegedly agreed to ask Sullivan to let Paqueta leave should Flamengo meet West Ham’s asking price.
Within that wider discussion, Plata’s name has repeatedly surfaced in reports from Brazil.
It has been claimed West Ham would consider using part of the Paqueta fee to fund a move for the 25-year-old Ecuadorian.
Plata is a versatile, energetic pressing machine who looks like he could be well-suited to the Premier League.
So the links make sense.
The forward, who can also play out wide, has enjoyed a strong spell with Flamengo, adding end product to his pace and dribbling, while also developing a reputation for hard running and intensity off the ball.
Plata can operate across the front line, thrives in transition and is comfortable carrying the ball at speed — attributes that always naturally spark interest in England.
His previous experience in Portugal, Spain and Qatar, along with his international pedigree, only adds to that appeal.
Plata party not a hint over West Ham move after house purchase
But while the farewell-party narrative has driven headlines, it does not necessarily tell the full story — and the assumption that West Ham are the intended destination may be premature.
Hammers News has spoken to a top source at West Ham about claims Plata could be on his way as part of the Paqueta deal.
And while the club is reluctant to discuss specific names during the window, the Plata talk has been shut down.
“He is a good player no doubt about that but Flamengo have no intention of selling him,” a West Ham source exclusively told Hammers News.
“If there was a party it wasn’t because he is coming to West Ham.
“In fact the player has just bought another house in the same area of Brazil so does not appear to be intending to go anywhere.”
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