WEST HAM have confirmed Pablo Fornals’ move to Real Betis following some deadline day drama.
SunSport understands Fornals, 27, followed the Hammers at the London Stadium on Thursday in full club tracksuit ahead of the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth although he wasn’t part of the squad.
Pablo Fornals has left West Ham to join Real Betis following a £7million dealGetty
West Ham announced Fornals’ move with a touching tributePA
However, the playmaker’s £7million switch to Betis went through at the 11th hour and the East Londoners confirmed the deal on their official website with a touching tribute.
That is unlike Said Benrahma’s move to Lyon, which dramatically stalled at the 11th hour.
West Ham announced: “West Ham United can confirm that Pablo Fornals has joined Real Betis on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.
“The 27-year-old returns to Spain after four-and-a-half seasons with the Hammers, during which he made 203 appearances and scored 23 goals.
“Fornals will always retain a place in West Ham folklore after netting the goal at AZ Alkmaar that confirmed the Irons’ passage to the UEFA Europa Conference League final in May 2023.
“The midfielder also netted memorable goals in Premier League wins over Liverpool, Aston Villa, Leicester City and Southampton, the latter of which clinched the Club’s qualification for the UEFA Europa League in May 2021.
“Fornals’ creativity also saw him assist two unforgettable goals in the 3-0 Europa League quarter-final second-leg win at Olympique Lyonnais in April 2022.”
Betis also confirmed Fornals’s arrival with a funny clip on social media.
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The attacking midfielder is now set to reunite with former manager Manuel Pellegrini at Betis.
Pellegrini managed the ex-Spain international for a few months when the ex-Manchester City boss was in charge of West Ham.
The Spaniard amassed a total of 23 appearances this season before his departure from the London Stadium.
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