Carlos Soler joined West Ham United on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day, and Pablo Fornals shared some intriguing insights about the club with him.
West Ham midfielder Carlos Soler is expected to become a fan favorite at the London Stadium, following in the footsteps of Pablo Fornals.
After a prolonged transfer process, Soler arrived in East London on Friday to complete his medical and finalize his move to West Ham. The 27-year-old’s arrival comes seven months after his fellow countryman, Fornals, left the club.
Fornals faced challenges during his final year at West Ham, struggling to fit into David Moyes’s system, which restricted players’ freedom in possession. Despite his difficulties, Fornals must have been relieved to return to Spain with Real Betis, even though he cherished the support from West Ham fans.
What did Fornals convey to Soler about West Ham?
What Pablo Fornals Told Carlos Soler About West Ham
Fornals was highly regarded by the London Stadium supporters. If Soler can achieve similar admiration, he will have been a significant success at the club. Upon joining the Hammers on loan, Soler shared with WHUFC.com:
“I’ve spoken with Pablo Fornals, and he told me that this club is one of the biggest in the Premier League, so let’s have a great season. He is an idol here and spent four-and-a-half seasons at West Ham. Hopefully, I can replicate his success.”
It’s heartening to hear such positive remarks. Once a Hammer, always a Hammer. Fornals’s statement that “this Club is one of the biggest in the Premier League” is certainly a bold assertion.
Pablo Fornals Sold Too Soon
Had West Ham retained Fornals, I believe he would have thrived under Julen Lopetegui’s management, which emphasizes more possession-based play. Fornals would have excelled in this system, unlike under Moyes’s more traditional tactics.
Fornals joined Real Betis in January with just 18 months left on his West Ham contract, which included a one-year extension option. Had he stayed, he could have further solidified his cult hero status alongside his new teammate, Carlos Soler.
However, if West Ham had kept Fornals, would Lopetegui have still signed Soler in the summer? That remains a question without a clear answer.
