Lucas Paqueta latest is ‘disastrous news’ – Kieran Maguire
West Ham could still have to pay Lucas Paqueta’s wages if he is banned from football because of his betting offences.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that West Ham will also lose out on Paqueta’s transfer value and may be forced to buy a replacement for the Brazilian playmaker.
It was announced on Thursday (23 May) that Paqueta has been charged by the FA for misconduct relating to betting offences.
The charges could have a major impact in the transfer market with Football Insider revealing that Manchester City were ready to green light a move for Paqueta in the summer.
The Hammers could also be stuck with Paqueta’s £8million-a-year salary (£150,000-a-week) if he is suspended while still at the club.
Maguire explained that Paqueta’s charges could be “disastrous” for West Ham from a financial point of view.
West Ham could be hit by ‘disastrous’ Paqueta blow
“This is disastrous news,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“If it proves to be true, you have to question the advice that the young man has been given.
“We saw with Ivan Toney, he never bet on match-fixing and that is what this appears to be.
“So I think West Ham are going to be hit in two potential ways – firstly we don’t know whether this will constitute gross misconduct.
“If it doesn’t, then they’ve still got an obligation to pay him during a period of suspension.
“They will also have to recruit somebody to replace him during the period of his suspension.
“Additionally, his market value will take a huge hit because we don’t know what state he will be in physically and mentally.“
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