West Ham this week oversaw the departures of 2 players, with ExWHUEmployee giving his thoughts.

Firstly, Pablo Fornals bidded farewell to east London after 4.5 years, after sealing a move back to Spain to link up with Manuel Pellegrini at Real Betis.

Then we sanctioned the loan with option to buy deal with Lyon which saw Said Benrahma head to France, after joining our Hammers from Brentford in 2020.

Ex started by paying tribute to Fornals, with the Spaniard becoming a cult hero at the club, and one who many will miss having at West Ham.

“I wish Pablo all the best for the future. He was a great lad and a good player,” stated Ex. “He helped play a massive part in our success of recent years and who can forget his goal in the semi final! One of my favourite goals in a long long while!

“Pablo was a popular player with fans and teammates and always did his best for the club. I hope he goes on to have a great rest of his career and he will always be welcomed back.”

Ex also shared his thoughts on Benrahma, with nobody forgetting the moment he scored that penalty in the Europa Conference League final last season in Prague.

“Benny scored a goal in a cup winning side – How many players can say that: Sissons, Hurst, Boyce, Sealey, Taylor, Brooking and Bowen are the only others,” added Ex.

“He is therefore in an elite group of hammers. He also was a runner up in the hammer of the year award, so whilst it is easy to remember a less productive season this year it is important not to forget the overall contribution he made during his time here.”