Midfielder hit by instant blow at new club after West Ham transfer
Midfielder Pablo Fornals hit by instant blow at new club after West Ham transfer
Midfielder Pablo Fornals has been hit by an instant blow at his new club after his belated West Ham transfer went through.
It was an emotional day for West Ham fans when Pablo Fornals had his move to Real Betis ratified and confirmed on Friday.
The Spaniard called time on his Hammers career in typically classy fashion – sitting down to deliver a video message to supporters in which he appeared to be fighting back tears.
It was more than a certain beloved former captain afforded us when he pushed to join a London rival in the summer.
Fornals hit by instant blow at new club
After poor performances on the pitch – saving possibly his worst until last in the draw with Sheffield United – Fornals confirmed his cult hero status with his fitting farewell.
West Ham fans will no doubt keep a close eye on how he fares back in Spain with Real Betis.
But things have not got off to the best of starts for the soon-to-be 28-year-old.
Because midfielder Fornals has been hit by an instant blow at his new club after his West Ham transfer.
Pellegrini snubs departing Hammer for Europe
Ex Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini has sprung a surprise by leaving Fornals out of Betis’ Europa Conference League squad.
That means Fornals will play no part in the knockout stages of the competition he helped West Ham win last season.
Unlike West Ham, Real Betis had a very busy winter transfer window. Johnny Cardoso arrived at the start of January. Then Chimy Avila, Cedric Bakambu and Fornals all joined on the final day. Luiz Henrique, Andres Guardado and Borja Iglesias ended up leaving too, meaning that their squad for the Europa Conference League would see changes from the one that was registered for the Europa League at the start of the season.
As per UEFA rules, three changes can be made to a European squad before the knockout stages. And Pellegrini has opted to leave out notable first team players including Fornals, as reported by MD.
It’s a blow for Fornals as Betis will fancy their chances of following in West Ham’s footsteps by winning the Europa Conference League. They take on Dinamo Zagreb – who Fornals faced during his time at West Ham – in the play-off round.
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