Pablo Fornals says ‘yes’ to West Ham United exit as sub-£6.8m deal wanted
Pablo Fornals has said “yes” to Real Betis as the La Liga side look to negotiate a transfer with West Ham for the midfielder, according to Diario AS.
The Spanish news outlet reported online (26 January) that Manuel Pellegrini is interested in re-signing the 27-year-old after he brought him to the London Stadium in 2019 when he was in charge of West Ham.
Fornals’ “yes is on the table” with the player keen on a change of scenery and the opportunity to play under Pellegrini once again, who he believes can bring the best out of him and help him make a return to the Spain national team.
His arrival is a priority for Betis, who are looking to negotiate the fee down to £6.8million, with West Ham keen on a higher fee after signing Fornals for £24million (Sky Sports News, 14 June 2019).
Loss
Selling Fornals for a fee of around £6.8million would represent a loss of almost £20million, and it is understandable why West Ham are keen to get a bit more money for the Spaniard.
However, with his desire to leave now clear, and his contract expiring next summer, it looks unlikely that the East London outfit would be able to generate a higher fee for him.
He has started just four Premier League games for David Moyes this season. If he isn’t playing regularly, his value will only continue to decrease, especially with his contract drawing nearer to its conclusion.
Unfortunately, the Hammers might have to bite the bullet on this one and accept that they won’t get anywhere close to the fee which they paid for him almost five years ago.
It is clear why he wants to leave, and the club should look to sanction a deal before it is too late.
In other West Ham news, the club are on “red alert” to complete a “shock” signing for a Premier League striker before the window closes.
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