West Ham United: Pablo Fornals exit moves closer as Nabil Fekir transfer news emerges
Pablo Fornals is surely now on his way out of West Ham following news that Real Betis are close to getting Nabil Fekir off their books.
The six-cap Spain international has been in talks with Betis over a move before the January transfer window closes.
Spanish outlet ABC de Sevilla reported on 23 January that Manuel Pellegrini is eager to reunite with Fornals, but Betis must first free up space.
And in an update shared by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna on Sunday (28 January), it looks as though that box has now been ticked.
Fekir is said to have agreed a move to the Saudi Pro League, with Betis now confident of reaching an agreement with Al-Nassr or Al-Hillal.
Getting a big earner off their books is expected to leave Pellegrini’s side in a position to move for Fornals.
It has previously been claimed that a loan arrangement could be agreed for Fornals, with the obligation for Betis to buy the player outright in the summer.
Whether West Ham sell Fornals now or in five months’ time, the club will be taking a big hit on the £24million they spent to sign him in June 2019 [BBC Sport].
Given Fornals is out of contract at the end of next season, it may well be a nominal fee that is accepted, but his wages will also be off the books.
On the basis of this update, at least this deal can now start moving forward ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
In other West Ham news, details of the contract Fornals is expected to sign with Real Betis have emerged.
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