Transfers

West Ham sign Fornals from Villarreal

14 Jun 2019
Pablo Fornals, West Ham

Spanish attacking midfielder becomes the second-most expensive signing in Hammers' history

Related Articles
West Ham United sign Spain playmaker Pablo Fornals External Link
Summer 2019 Premier League transfer news
Premier League fixtures for 2019/20

West Ham United have announced the signing of Pablo Fornals from Villarreal. 

Fornals has agreed a five-year contract and joins for an undisclosed fee, which West Ham say is the second highest in the club's history.

The 23-year-old is the Hammers' third summer signing, following goalkeepers Roberto and David Martin, and says manager Manuel Pellegrini was a big factor in his desire to move to London Stadium.

"Manuel was a big influence because in the end he is one of the best coaches in the world," Fornals told West Ham's official website

"I know about the loyal fans and the stadium, which is a beautiful stadium.

"The fans fill the stadium every weekend and that is something admirable, especially with the passion with which football is lived there." 

Attacking midfielder Fornals has made 63 appearances over the last two seasons, scoring seven goals. 

He started his career at Malaga where he worked with West Ham's director of football, Mario Husillos.

Fornals will represent Spain, for whom he has twice played at senior level, at this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which starts on Sunday. 

He will then face the prospect of a tough Premier League debut when West Ham host champions Manchester City on 10 August.

See: Summer 2019 transfer news

Latest Videos

More Videos