Pablo Fornals signs contract for 11th hours West Ham United transfer on Deadline Day – Fabrizio Romano
Pablo Fornals has put pen to paper to sign his Real Betis contract ahead of a permanent exit from West Ham before the deadline, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported via Twitter late on 1 February that the Spaniard’s deal was now inked to head back to La Liga late on Deadline Day.
He is one of two Irons attackers set to depart the club on the final day of the window along with Said Benrahma, although he was at the London Stadium for the Hammers’ draw with Bournemouth [Dharmesh Sheth, 1 February].
The 27-year-old had a medical in London earlier in the evening.
Romano wrote: “Pablo Fornals and Chimy Avila have both signed their contracts as new Real Betis player.”
Late, late show
The disappointing 1-1 draw at home to the Cherries has potentially shown the decision to part with attacking options without anybody coming in the opposite direction to be misguided.
Neither Fornals or Benrahma have been key men this season following the arrival of Mohammed Kudus and James Ward-Prowse in the summer.
Shifting those on the outskirts of the squad is a necessary part of overhauling the squad but there was clearly an intention to bring in replacements.
Jota and Ibrahim Osman were pursued only to see dramatic collapses put an end to the chances of their arriving at West Ham.
There was even a possibility that Maxwel Cornet could have followed but a third departure was ruled out late and hew as named on the bench for the Irons’ game.
Kalvin Phillips looks like he could now be the only new arrival in the winter window, and his life as an Hammer didn’t get off to an excellent start in the Bournemouth clash, although it should be a good acquisition.
But attacking recruits looked to be needed above all heading into January and they are conspicuous by their absence as the deadline approaches.
In other West Ham news, a striker based in Europe has been holding out hope the Irons will still come and sign him.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.