When Lucas Paquetá was close to a move to Aston Villa in August, West Ham fans were devastated – but now, things feel very different.

The Hammers’ record signing returned to his native Brazil in January after three-and-a-half years at the London Stadium.

For the most part, Paquetá was a popular figure in East London during his time at the club. Regarded as one of the Irons’ most creative players, he was always one of the first names on the teamsheet.

The Brazilian was linked with a move away from Stratford on several occasions, and West Ham fans were always worried about losing him, as he was seen as such a vital player.

But Paquetá had been off the boil for quite a while prior to his exit. Fans had grown tired of his antics. Despite his talent, those antics simply weren’t worth putting up with.

And now that he has left, a harsh reality has become clear – West Ham are a better side without Paquetá. At least the Paquetá who left the London Stadium earlier this year.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have been on an excellent run since the Brazilian’s departure, picking up fourteen points from eight league games and reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals. The Hammers have been helped by new signings Taty Castellanos and Pablo, who have made Nuno’s side much more potent in attack.

Paquetá registered only one assist in 18 Premier League games this season, and prior to setting up Jarrod Bowen’s opener against Brighton in December, he hadn’t assisted a goal for the Irons since April 2024.

For all his talent, the Brazilian was becoming something of a liability for the Hammers: dawdling on the ball, losing possession, committing fouls and picking up needless bookings.

The flashy playmaker was no longer worth making a case for, especially when West Ham now had Mateus Fernandes in midfield – a player with all of Paquetá’s ability and none of the drama.

I loved Lucas Paquetá, and I was always going to be somewhat disappointed when he inevitably departed. But two months later, I’ve barely even remembered he left – that, unfortunately, is how little he impacted the side at the tail end of his Hammers career.

He’s had a slightly tricky start to his time back on the pitch in Brazil. I don’t know if he’ll ever be the player he was before his betting scandal.

But I do know one thing: despite the fact I’m glad he’s gone, I still have a lot of respect for him – and he still has respect for the Irons, as was proven by his recent Instagram post celebrating West Ham’s FA Cup victory over Brentford on Monday.

The Brazilian will always have that pass in Prague and a catalogue of memorable moments in claret and blue. But West Ham cashed in at the right time, and they now look a much better side without their record signing.