Pablo Fornals’ transfer to Real Betis has been completed, with the Spanish club paying $8.6 million for the midfielder’s services. However, West Ham is still dealing with the fallout from Said Benrahma’s failed move to Lyon. FIFA has launched an investigation into why West Ham could not finalise the transfers of Benrahma and Fornals on deadline day after Lyon and Real Betis accused the English club of mishandling the paperwork.Lyon had prepared for Benrahma to sign his contract live on television as part of the $19 million deal, but the transfer dramatically collapsed. In response, Lyon issued a statement criticising West Ham for what they described as “a deep lack of respect” towards them and the player, who had completed his medical in France earlier in the day.📣 OFICIAL | El #RealBetis y el @WestHam acuerdan el traspaso de Pablo Fornals 🤝🖊¡Bienvenido, @pablofornals! 🆕✅— Real Betis Balompié 🌴💚 (@RealBetis) February 2, 2024 West Ham manager David Moyes addressed Lyon’s accusation during his press conference on Friday.”It’s a big word to use before we get a chance to show exactly what happened or didn’t happen.” When asked if Benrahma would still be willing to play for the team, Moyes responded yes.##NAJAVA_MECA_7845168##Real Betis, on the other hand, suggested that they anticipate Fornals’ $8.6 million signing to be approved despite a “computer problem” on West Ham’s end. Both Lyon and Betis have reached out to FIFA, who is investigating the failed deals. There have been speculations suggesting that West Ham intentionally delayed the paperwork, especially after their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth highlighted the team’s need for a left winger. However, club insiders have strongly denied these claims, stating that they simply ran out of time to complete the Benrahma deal. The French club is still trying to appease FIFA to allow the deal to go through.Fornals had travelled with the team ahead of Thursday’s fixture but was eventually not involved as it became apparent that he was on the verge of signing for Betis.
