Second West Ham star in limbo as transfer ‘hangs in the balance over computer error’ after Behrama confusion
A SECOND West Ham star remains in limbo following Said Benrahma’s failed move to Lyon.
Pablo Fornals was expected to complete a £7million move to Real Betis last night.
AlamyPablo Fornals’ transfer from West Ham to Real Betis remains in limbo[/caption]
The midfielder is keen on a return to Spain after spending the last four-and-a-half years in east London.
Fornals, 27, was spotted at last night’s 1-1 draw between West Ham and Bournemouth as a move to Betis grew closer.
But as of Friday morning, the transfer is yet to be confirmed by either club due to a reported “computer error.”
LaLiga’s official transfer page shows that the move has been given “provisional validation”.
However, more paperwork must be signed off to ensure Fornals’ exit goes through.
And the player faces an anxious wait with his future expected to be confirmed later today.
Fornals has scored 23 goals in 202 games for West Ham following a £24million move from Villarreal in 2019.
It is the second transfer mystery to surround West Ham on deadline day.
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GettySaid Benrahma saw his deadline day move to Lyon collapse[/caption]
Winger Benrahma was set for a loan move to Lyon before the deal collapsed at the last moment.
The French club lashed out at West Ham in a scathing statement.
It read: “Olympique Lyonnais deeply regretted the failure of Benrahma’s transfer, for reasons beyond his control, and questioned West Ham’s behaviour in failing to finalise the required administrative procedures, despite all the agreements made.
“The two clubs had signed a temporary transfer agreement.
“However, early in the evening, while Olympique Lyonnais had entered all the administrative data on FIFA’s dedicated platform, FIFA TMS, West Ham had never initiated the slightest technical procedure of their own, despite repeated reminders from OL and continuous mutual telephone communication.
“In the absence of this reciprocal action from the English club and due to this incomprehensible behavior, raising questions, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before the deadline.
“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, which shows a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham towards both the Institution and the player.
“The club reserves the right to initiate all procedures to validate the transaction after the event, and to hold West Ham responsible if necessary.”
A West Ham spokesperson added: “West Ham United can confirm that the Deadline Day deal for Said Benrahma to join Olympique Lyonnais was not concluded ahead of the deadline, with a deal unable to be completed before 11pm.”
