West Ham are close to sealing a fourth January deal for Pablo Fornals says Dharmesh Sheth and it can only mean one thing.
As we told you on Hammers News way back in November, West Ham had to ship players out in order to make signings in the January transfer window.
That was in order to make space in the Hammers squad and the on the wage bill having reached the FFP limit in that regard.
To that end West Ham have offloaded Thilo Kehrer on loan to Monaco with easily achievable option to buy clauses.
Conor Coventry has also left in a permanent deal to join Charlton.
West Ham close to fourth January deal says Sheth
That has helped make space for the Hammers to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Man City.
Now West Ham are close to a fourth January deal for Pablo Fornals says Dharmesh Sheth and it can only mean one thing.
According to Sky Sports’ chief transfer reporter Sheth, West Ham are in talks with Real Betis – managed by ex Hammers boss Manuel Pelegrini – over a deal for Fornals.
Pellegrini was of course the man who brought Fornals to West Ham in a £24m deal.
“Real Betis advancing in talks with West Ham United over the signing of Pablo Fornals,” Sheth said.
“Real Betis managed by Manuel Pellegrini – he signed Fornals for West Ham from Villarreal in 2019. First call ExWHUemployee.”
It can mean only one thing
This deal could be an absolutely key gateway transfer for West Ham.
Because it almost certainly means the club are confident of landing at least one more attacking midfielder – if not two – with moves afoot for Ibrahim Osman and Jota.
With Said Benrahma and/or Maxwel Cornet also being linked with moves away before the window closes, signing both those players now looks a distinct possibility given Fornals’ imminent departure.
Fornals has long been linked with a return to La Liga.
We reported on Hammers News back in September that the likes of Real Betis and Sevilla wanted Fornals and that he too was interested in a return to Spain.
Pablo a Hammer for life
The fan favourite has fallen out of favour under David Moyes this season and has failed to impress when given a chance in the side.
Indeed the midfielder put in one of his worst performances for the Hammers in the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United last time out.
In Fornals’ defence, his game time has been limited this season and last making it difficult for him to get any rhythm.
The midfielder will always be a much-loved fan favourite for the part he has played in West Ham’s resurgence and European triumph over the last few years.
If and when he does depart it is sure to be a very emotional farewell message.
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