How much money West Ham could save from Lucas Paqueta exit after FA news
Lucas Paqueta is reportedly set to be cleared of all betting misconduct charges by the FA.
The West Ham midfielder had been charged with breaching betting rules in relation to spot-fixing, and could have been handed a lifetime ban from football as a result.
Paqueta was otherwise set to join Manchester City two years ago before the charges emerged, and the Hammers lost out on a deal potentially worth more than £80million.
With the Brazilian reportedly no longer facing a ban, Paqueta could leave West Ham this summer, and this could give the Hammers a huge financial boost.
West Ham could save £15m-plus on Paqueta’s wages
Paqueta has two years remaining on his contract at the London Stadium, and a departure could now be likely.
West Ham will look to receive a significant fee for the 27-year-old, but if he does leave, there will be a financial boost regardless, as his salary will be cut from the wage bill.
The Brazil international is on a huge contract of £150,000 per week (Capology), and this works out at around £7.8m per year.
| Stat | Paqueta |
| Appearances | 120 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 14 |
If he were to leave now, West Ham would not have to pay his wages for the next two years and would save around £15.6m as a result.
Paqueta failed to provide a single assist in the Premier League last season, and a fresh start could be best for all parties, given the potential savings for West Ham.
Where Paqueta ranks among West Ham’s highest earners
Paqueta is West Ham’s joint-highest earner and is on the same salary as captain and top scorer Jarrod Bowen.
Bowen was a shining light in an otherwise dismal campaign last season and has fully justified his status as a leading player.
Paqueta’s performances in the last two seasons have failed to live up to his first campaign, and with West Ham needing to do a lot of business this summer, getting rid of their highest earner will be a big financial victory.
Paqueta has made 120 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 18 goals, since joining from Lyon in 2022.
Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.