---
title: "Agent Rules Out South American Return For Fabian Balbuena"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2020/12/01/fabian-balbuena-agent-rules-out-january-exit-flamengo/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2020-12-01T08:00:34Z"
modified: "2020-12-01T08:00:34Z"
---

# Agent Rules Out South American Return For Fabian Balbuena

[West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2020/11/30/gonzalo-plata-to-be-made-available-for-january-move/) defender [Fabian Balbuena](https://readwestham.com/2020/11/13/irons-hail-hail-balbuena-haller-international-performances/) is a target for Brazilian side Flamengo, according to a [recent report](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUQojd_kNr4&feature=emb_logo) from journalist Jorge Nicola.

The Paraguayan has enjoyed something of a [renaissance this season](https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/players/fabian-balbuenas-arduous-trip-made-19143040) as part of a [three-man Hammers central defence](https://formation-y.com/en/formation/west_ham.html) – although his current contract [expires at the end of the season](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-balbuena/profil/spieler/285548).

With that [contract situation](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-fc-news-contract-latest-noble-antonio-fabianski-balbeuna-snodgrass-b114665.html) in mind, Balbuena was earmarked as a possible signing for the Rio de Janeiro club. However, the 29-year-old’s agent Augusto Paraja has seemingly ruled out a South American return for the meantime.

In an interview with [ESPN Brazil](https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/artigo/_/id/7819982/flamengo-alta-premier-league-balbuena-nao-voltara-agora-america-do-sul-garante-agente), he stated: “He is one of the captains of the team, he’s starting and wants to continue. I received many calls from journalists asking about Flamengo, but there’s no possibility of him returning to South America.”

The defender [arrived in east London](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/11436782/fabian-balbuena-signs-for-west-ham-from-corinthians) from Brazilian Premier League side Corinthians back in 2018 and has since made [53 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-balbuena/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/285548/verein/379) for the Irons.

With [regular appearances in West Ham’s league games](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fabian-balbuena/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/285548/plus/0?saison=2020&verein=379&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) so far this term, Balbuena’s influence shows no sign of relenting; and the player’s representative believes his time at London Stadium won’t be coming to a premature end, insisting: “He wants to continue in England, there’s no concern because of that.”

### READ WEST HAM VERDICT

Prior to this season, the [jury may well have remained out](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-news/fans-slam-balbuena/) over Balbeuna’s merits of a new deal, but surely not anymore.

The defender has played a pivotal part in David Moyes’ side strong start to the season and, in doing so, has prevented [October loan signing Craig Dawson](https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2020/october/12-october/west-ham-united-add-experienced-defender-craig-dawson) from [getting a look-in](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/west-ham-united/leistungsdaten/verein/379).