Flamengo have completed the signing of West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá in what has been reported as a record transfer in South American football, the Premier League club confirmed on Wednesday.

According to local media, the deal is worth around €42 million, making it the most expensive move in the continent’s history.

“West Ham United can confirm that Lucas Paquetá has been given permission to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with Brazilian club Flamengo, after a fee was agreed for his permanent transfer,” the club said in a statement.

The 28-year-old Brazilian had been linked with a move away from London in recent seasons, but his future was clouded by spot-fixing allegations, which were resolved in July. The investigation was widely viewed as having stalled a potential transfer to Manchester City two years ago.

Paquetá now returns to his homeland after spells in Europe with AC Milan, Lyon and West Ham, where he became a key figure in midfield. His move to Flamengo represents a major statement of intent from the Rio de Janeiro club and underlines their ambition to compete at the highest level domestically and continentally.