West Ham United: Jesse Lingard sends message after Pablo Fornals transfer news
Jesse Lingard sent a message to Pablo Fornals after his confirmed exit from West Ham to join Real Betis on Friday (3 February).
The Hammers announced the departure (2 February) of the Spaniard as he reunites with Manuel Pellegrini who brought him in at the London Stadium back in 2019.
The deal for the midfielder, 27, was set to go through on transfer deadline day but was delayed after a “computer problem” on the Hammers’ side before Betis complained to FIFA.
The switch has now been completed, ending the Spain international’s four-and-a-half-year stay at the Hammers and Fornals took to his Instagram account (2 February) to announce his departure.
He wrote: “Thanks for everything! You will always be in my heart.”
Former Hammer Lingard, shared his response to Fornals, writing: “Legend Pablito.”
La Liga chance perfect for Pablo Fornals
It always seems so strange when clubs leave it so late in the transfer window to get a deal done when they’ve had an entire month to do business.
West Ham and Real Betis had been haggling over a transfer fee over the past few days and that’s what has prevented the deal from moving forward quicker before the deadline.
The saga certainly rambled on when West Ham failed to submit the required paperwork, which also brought Said Benrahma’s exit to a standstill.
However, both deals have now been completed which arguably leaves the Hammers much weaker and lighter in attack, especially without any replacements signed. Whether Moyes will be made to regret that, we’ll have to wait and see.
Fornals certainly leaves the club with so many memories including his tremendous semi-final goal against AZ Alkmaar that set them on their way to European glory last season but the Spaniard’s impact certainly goes beyond that.
Hard-working, flamboyantly creative and a player who never fails to give less than 100 per cent, he will certainly be missed at the London Stadium.
Betis is the perfect move to reignite his career again in La Liga after limited minutes under Moyes this season and it will be intriguing to see how the Irons fare without him.
Farewell to a West Ham United cult favourite.
In other West Ham news, a profit and sustainability situation emerged in one Premier League club’s pursuit of a Hammers player.
