Unnamed Saudi club approach West Ham United for Pablo Fornals transfer, Hammers want £24m+ to sell

An unnamed Saudi club have approached West Ham United about signing midfielder Pablo Fornals, according to The Telegraph.

Writing on their official website (29 August), journalist Mike McGrath reports that the Spaniard has emerged as a target for the Saudi Pro League side and was the subject of a verbal enquiry to the Hammers.

They are now deciding if they want to continue with a formal written offer, with West Ham likely to demand at least £24m for the 27-year-old, who has one year plus the option of a further year remaining on his deal, due to their great wealth.

“West Ham United have been approached by a club in the Saudi Pro League about selling Spain midfielder Pablo Fornals,” they wrote.

“The 27-year-old, who has been at the club for four years, was the subject of a verbal enquiry from the undisclosed Saudi club, who will now decide whether to go through with a written offer before their transfer deadline on September 7.

“Given the wealth of the clubs in Saudi Arabia, West Ham would expect to make a profit on the £24 million paid to Villarreal in 2019 for Fornals.

Unexpected

Fornals has been a key member of the Hammers squad for several years now, but he isn’t first-choice when everyone is fit and that’s important to remember.

David Moyes is obviously a big fan of the Spaniard and his performances have made him a fan favourite too, with his energy and personality something that is often needed by the team in certain games.

But with the additions of Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Kudus in his preferred positions in midfield it makes regular minutes look hard to come by going forward.

His contract situation is in the club’s hands as it stands but the longer it ticks on the more value he loses, and if he isn’t playing regularly that will only effect it more negatively.

It could be the perfect time to move him on, especially if we end up making a profit on him, but Moyes would likely want a replacement and with our transfer window closing a week before theirs it’s something to think about quickly.

It’s a similar situation for Michail Antonio who has also been linked with a move to Saudi, and with the hunt for his replacement likely to go to the wire the club could find themselves in the same position for Fornals.