Vinicius Jr CONFIRMS blockbuster transfer on live TV

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has expressed his hope that West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta will be allowed to return to Flamengo “in the next few days.”

The Brazil international was instrumental in Real Madrid’s 6-1 thrashing of Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday. Vinicius bounced back with an emphatic performance after being booed by the Santiago Bernabeu for his performances and role in the sacking of Xabi Alonso.

The 25-year-old was named Man of the Match and illustrated that he can still be a devastating player, something that has rarely been the case since his controversial snub in the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

With Alonso now gone, it is expected that Vinicius will extend his contract, which is set to expire in 2027. He confirmed as much after the Monaco game, when he said that he intends to stay at Real Madrid long-term.

This came as a big blow to his suitors, particularly in Saudi Arabia, but Vinicius still managed to drop a transfer bombshell, just not about a move of his own.

Vini confirms Paqueta talks

Speaking to TNT Brasil after the game, Vinicius caused astonishment when he frankly revealed he has tasked his representatives with keeping him abreast of Flamengo’s talks with West Ham over compatriot and good friend Lucas Paqueta.

The Hammers star is pushing for a return to his boyhood club after his promising Premier League career became more of an ordeal due to a betting investigation. It ruined a transfer to Man City, and a move to Aston Villa also fell through last summer.

Paqueta has already agreed terms with Flamengo, where he played together with Vinicius, but West Ham are reluctant to sanction his exit. A whopping €40 million bid has been rejected, and it has been claimed that they have requested that if an agreement is reached, they be allowed to loan him back until the end of the European season.

“I ask my agents, who are also his agents, every day [about Paqueta’s return to Flamengo],” Vinicius said. “His happiness is mine, and Flamengo’s happiness is ours. God willing, in the next few days, he can close this deal.”

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