By Conor Hogan
**Former West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals has been recalled to the Spanish national team following a string of impressive displays for Real Betis.**
The 29-year-old, who signed for the Hammers in 2019, will look to earn his seventh and eighth caps for his country when Spain take on Georgia and Turkey in World Cup qualifying during the November international break.
The Spaniard left London Stadium in January 2024 after making 203 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers. His departure was an emotional one — for both himself and West Ham fans. Fornals even took part in a tear-jerking farewell video, where he expressed his gratitude to the West Ham faithful.
Seen as surplus to requirements during David Moyes’ final season in charge of the Irons, and frustrated by a lack of playing time, Fornals returned to Spain to reunite with former Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini — the man who brought him to East London — and he has impressed for Betis ever since.
Fornals played a key role in his side’s UEFA Conference League run last season, as Betis were beaten finalists against Chelsea in Poland. As time has gone on, the decision to sell the Spaniard has looked increasingly foolish on West Ham’s part.
The midfielder was loved by West Ham fans and had achieved cult hero status thanks to his infectious personality, endless determination on the pitch, and knack for scoring crucial goals — most notably his strike against AZ Alkmaar in 2023, which secured West Ham’s place in the final of the UEFA Conference League that they would go on to win.
Additionally, although some fans wouldn’t admit it, Fornals was also a tremendously talented footballer — his passing was excellent, his feet were quick, and he read the game superbly. He may have lacked pace and power, but the Spaniard was always an asset to the Irons.
Now, Fornals finds himself back in the picture at national level after a four-year absence. He has started every league game this season for a Betis side who currently sit fifth in LaLiga. Meanwhile, West Ham occupy the Premier League’s relegation zone and could desperately use a player of Fornals’ calibre.
Many wrong decisions were made during the final six months of David Moyes’ reign as West Ham boss. However, despite the crushing league defeats and the sense of apathy that surrounded the club, perhaps selling Pablo Fornals was the biggest mistake of all.