Pablo Fornals leaves West Ham for Real Betis

Pablo Fornals will end his long stay with West Ham and return to his homeland of Spain and join Real Betis in a deal worth around £7 million. Former Villarreal midfielder Fornals was a key member of the team that helped the Irons win the Europa League last season, but his first-team opportunities have been somewhat limited this season.

Arrivals of James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Kudus have meant that Fornals has played from the bench in recent times, and Fornals is keen to play on a regular basis and thus will move to Betis.

Fornals, 28 in February, appeared over 150 times in the Premier League for West Ham and is a club favourite. Hammers support are known to be a little disappointed that the attacking midfielder with six caps to his name has been allowed to leave for pastures new.

West Ham had considered a loan departure for Fornals, but were keen to balance the books in January and this deal appears to be the best option for everyone. Fornals will sign a 2-and-a-half year deal at Betis.