West Ham United on brink of double-Deadline Day exit amid £23m Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma updates – Sky Sports
Pablo Fornals is now in the final stages of a move from West Ham as the negotiations with Real Betis are now in the “final stages”, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported an update via Twitter on 1 February to say the Spaniard’s exit to La Liga is “almost there”, while Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that it is set to be a permanent deal worth €10million [£8.5m].
His own update via Twitter indicates the Irons are now on the brink of a double-departure with Said Benrahma’s loan-to-buy move to Lyon also set to be completed for a total of €17m [£14.5m].
Romano wrote: “Pablo Fornals, close to joining Real Betis as the negotiation with West Ham is at final stages. Almost there.”
While Plettenberg said: “News West Ham: Saïd Benrahma on the verge to finalize his loan deal with Lyon now! Loan fee: €5m. Option to buy: €12m.
“Pablo Fornals is on the verge to join Real Betis. It’s a permanent deal of around €10m!”
Action
The money quoted isn’t game-changing for a Premier League club but in the current climate where sides all appear to be terrified by FFP sanctions it probably isn’t to be sniffed at.
Shifting two peripheral players off the wage bill is arguably no mean feat in those circumstances, but if replacements don’t come in it comes with inherent risk.
If Maxwel Cornet is to depart for Crystal Palace on Deadline Day as well it would mean David Moyes’ options have been reduced significantly, even allowing for the fact that the Scot hasn’t been overly committed to any of the trio in recent months.
Incoming deals have proven dramatic and frustrating as deals for Ibrahim Osman and Jota both collapsed when the picture was looking positive.
Attacking midfielders have a battle to get into the XI ahead of the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus but a recent selection crisis shows back up has to be there all the same.
It looks like the final hours of the January window are going to be eventful at the London Stadium in one direction but fans and manager alike are sure to feel a lot better if incoming business could follow suit.
In other West Ham news, a sought-after attacker wants his move to the Irons resurrected in the final hours.
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.