Premier League club West Ham United have officially announced the signing of Sofiane Feghouli from Valencia on a 3-year-contract.
The Algerian midfielder joined Valencia from Grenoble in 2010 and since then he has played a pivotal role in the midfield with 29 goals and 27 to his name in the last 6 years.
.@sffeghouli will join us on 1 July after his @valenciacf contract expires. Full story ➡️ https://t.co/wwQgyoZN1W pic.twitter.com/qKwPenAEnc
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) June 14, 2016
Earlier rumours pointed out that the Portuguese giants Benfica were interested in roping in his services this summer but Feghouli who was keen on testing waters in the Premier league chose to sign up for West Ham United despite having a chance to feature in the Champions League if he joined hands with Benfica this summer. Feghouli will join the club on 1 July after his contract at Valencia expires.
EXCLUSIVE: @sffeghouli says the Hammers' ambitions were key to his move to east London ➡️ https://t.co/VWN70TtqOL pic.twitter.com/XKEzylY5la
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) June 14, 2016
Speaking to the club’s website (whufc.com) he said, “I am very happy to sign for the Hammers and for Slaven Bilic. The history of the Club is important for me in my decision.”
“Playing in the Premier League is very important for players in their careers and I am happy to play for the Hammers.”
We are delighted to confirm the signing of Algeria winger @sffeghouli on a three-year contract! #FeghouliIsAHammerhttps://t.co/YbBZdRdzs9
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) June 14, 2016
Critics believe that Feghouli will add the much needed depth in the West Ham midfield with his pace and dribbling ability down the right.
West Ham has been busy is search of players this summer and coach Slaven Bilic have also confirmed his interest in the Besiktas pair Atiba Hutchinson and Gokhan Tore.