The manager was thrilled to get the West Ham player back after a transfer dispute, even though he arrived late.
The manager of Real Betis, Manuel Pellegrini, expressed his happiness at landing Pablo Fornals from West Ham, stating that he already knows the player is talented from their time together at the London Stadium.
Speaking to the media prior to his team’s match against Getafe on Sunday, the Betis manager inevitably brought up the subject of Fornals’ tardy arrival.
Due to a computer glitch that occurred late on deadline day, the Spanish team was unable to sign the midfield player and had to wait until yesterday afternoon to find out if they were permitted to do so.
Fortunately for them and West Ham, FIFA approved the trade on Friday after reviewing all of the relevant paperwork and determining that everything was legal.
As a result, Fornals returned to Spain and met up with Pellegrini, a manager he is familiar with because it was Pellegrini who brought him to West Ham in the first place.
Pellegrini made another reference to the previous relationship in his remarks over the agreement, which was the source of reports during Betis’ pursuit of him in January.
He stated, “We already selected him for West Ham; he has a lot of back and forth, is very gifted technically, and has a lot of dynamics.”
“We had Camarasa in that role here, but he was unable to execute due to a severe injury. We are hoping that Pablo, who we know well, can also help us. We are now able to sign him.
Given that Fornals participated in Saturday’s training session with his new team, according to Diario de Sevilla, the Chilean manager doesn’t appear to be afraid to throw him in at the deep end.
They clarify that although the midfield player only arrived from West Ham on Friday night, he participated in Pellegrini’s training right away and is included in the team for Sunday’s match.
