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Barcelona could look to sign West Ham United ace Pablo Fornals in January after Gavi injury
Barcelona could look into signing West Ham United midfielder Pablo Fornals in January after Gavi suffered a “serious” knee injury.
The youngster tore his ACL on international duty this week and will miss the rest of the season, leaving Xavi short on options in his midfield with the January transfer window approaching.
And writing for Cadena Ser (21 November), journalist Bruno Alemany listed some possible options they could move for with Fornals’ contract situation making him a potential option in the winter.
“The contract ends in June,” they wrote. “As his contract ends, he could be negotiated with West Ham.
“He has arrival, he has played Barça-style football for the Spanish team, although now at West Ham he plays something totally different.”
Former striker Bojan Krkic wasn’t convinced of his qualities though saying, “I don’t see him as having enough quality for Barca,” while Manolo Romero was also unsure.
“He is a technically good player, but I don’t think they are Gavi’s characteristics.”
Not a miss
As good as Fornals has been during his time as a West Ham player, it’s fair to say that the squad has probably moved past needing him at this point.
With Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen, James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek all available in his positions, he simply isn’t needed anymore and that’s why his contract isn’t being renewed at this point.
With Gavi out for the season they definitely need reinforcements, but he is a very different player to Fornals and considering he hasn’t been playing much at all for West Ham this season it would be a very odd transfer.
Gavi is more defensive and much better technically, while Fornals isn’t quite as dynamic or creative. If Barcelona come in for him in January, West Ham should definitely be open to offers.
It would be the last chance to cash in on him with his contract expiring, and his lack of game time means he wouldn’t be a miss.
In other West Ham news, club want to sign teenage starlet amid source reveal.