In an edge-of-the-seat deadline day saga, Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma successfully sealed their exits from West Ham United, landing with Real Betis and Lyon, respectively.
Facing suspense as their moves hung in the balance due to processing delays, Lyon expressed fury over the potential loss of Benrahma, while a computer glitch caused complications for Fornals. Fortunately, both hurdles were cleared.
Breaking the news on Friday evening, West Ham officially confirmed Fornals’ permanent transfer to Real Betis and Benrahma’s loan move to Lyon, with an enticing option to buy.
Fornals, now part of Real Betis until 2029, returned to LaLiga after stints with Malaga and Villarreal. Though the transfer fee remains undisclosed, insiders suggest it hovers around €8m.
On the other hand, Benrahma, the Algerian talent, rejoins Ligue 1 after honing his skills in Nice and Angers. Lyon secured the 28-year-old for £5.1m for the season, with a potential additional £12.3m to make the move permanent in the summer.
Following the official announcements, Fornals bid an emotional farewell to West Ham fans through a heartfelt message on the club’s website. Reflecting on his journey from a young arrival to a seasoned player, he expressed gratitude for the support and unforgettable moments.
Fornals’ legacy at West Ham includes 203 appearances and 23 goals, while Benrahma, who arrived in 2020 from Brentford, leaves behind 155 appearances and 24 goals. The duo shared the spotlight in last season’s Europa Conference League final, contributing to West Ham’s historic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.