West Ham United made Pablo Fornals their second most expensive signing ever last weekend.
Manuel Pellegrini has been singing the West Ham new boy’s praises after identifying him as a target last summer.
“Pablo is a young, hungry and talented player who has already proven his ability at the highest level in Spain, and we believe he will bring a different dimension and a strong mentality to the team,” Pellegrini told West Ham’s official website.
Expectations high for Fornals
“He has made a big impact in his time with Villarreal and we look forward to seeing him continue his progress here.”
Expectations are high at West Ham for the Spain international.
And West Ham fans are excited to see him in action.
One player who has seen him up close is his mentor at Villareal last season, Santi Carzola.
Fornals mentored by Pellegrini favourite
The former Arsenal star is a real favourite of West Ham boss Pellegrini.
He played for the Chilean at Villareal earlier in his career before following him and West Ham director of football Mario Husillos to Malaga.
Pellegrini has spoken about his admiration for Carzola in the past. He even compared West Ham youngster Grady Diangana to the Spaniard last season (Evening Standard).
West Ham in for a treat is Santi’s magic has rubbed off on new boy
So he will be delighted that Fornals appears to have been mentored by the ex Gunner during their time together at Villareal.
Pictures show Fornals and Carzola clearly had a special bond. The pair were often seen chatting, warming up together and celebrating with one another last season.
And if any of Carzola’s considerable talent has rubbed off on West Ham’s £24million 23-year-old then Hammers fans are in for a treat.
Fornals and Carzola in pictures
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
