During his blog on Wednesday, Hugh asked a pertinent question regarding Pablo Fornals contractual situation.

The Spanish midfielder has less than a year remaining on his contract, and is due to leave for free next summer. Sevilla are believed to be interested in signing the player, and Fornals himself is keen to return to Spain.

Whilst it would seem incompetent of West Ham to allow a £23m players contract to expire . . . the clubs really have little choice in the matter.

Fornals commitment to West Ham is not in question

Unfortunately, as popular as Fornals is, he’s not really in the managers plans. In fact, I would suggest, that he’s completely unsuited to David Moyes system. In many respects, it’s amazing the Spaniard has lasted as long as he has, given the shelf life of Manuel Pellegrini’s other signings.

West Ham lost serious money on Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller. At least with Fornals, the club have enjoyed five years of excellent service for their money. However much as supporters may wish to keep this fan favourite, it’s easy to understand why he’s want to leave East London.

Fornals is a bit-part player who almost never plays in his favoured position. He’s gone from being a Spain international with immense promise, to a utility squad player. Pablo is third choice attacking midfielder, and will never command a regular wing role.

No Hammers future for Fornals

Newly married with one young child, Fornals is probably desperate to move back home. At 27 years of age his next contract is crucial. Put simply, he probably wants to play regular football.

I’m quite sure West Ham have offered him multiple contracts. However, I completely understand why the player would not wish to sign them. Lucas Paqueta is staying at West Ham, and the club have just signed Mohammed Kudus for £35m.

That tells Pablo Fornals everything he needs to know about his future at West Ham. Added to the rumours that The Hammers were also chasing a left winger. The popular Fornals can expect to see less game time than at any point during his Irons career.

Like everyone else I wish him well, and his is attitude and commitment cannot be questioned. Despite the lack of a transfer fee upon his departure, I think Fornals has been a good signing.

Of course I’d like him to stay but that’s just me being selfish. The player deserves to finish his career playing regularly, and has earned the right to return home.