West Ham announce signing of Spain attacker Fornals

West Ham United have announced the signing of Villarreal and Spain attacker Pablo Fornals on a five-year deal.

Fornals is currently away with Spain’s Under-21 squad ahead of the European Championships and will link up with Manuel Pellegrini’s team at the conclusion of the tournament.

The 23-year-old, singed for a fee believed to be £24 million, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

West Ham announced the signing through a video on their Twitter account:

Fornals started his career in the academy at Villarreal before leaving for Malaga, scoring seven times in 43 appearances before moving back to his boyhood club.

Since his move back to the Yellow Submarine in 2017, the Spaniard has scored nine times in 76 appearances and attracting the interest of the Hammers.

Capped twice at senior level for his country, West Ham will hope that Fornals creativity in tandem with the likes of Felipe Anderson can help them improve on last season’s finish of tenth.

Fornals, who becomes West Ham’s second most-expensive signing ever after Anderson, told the club’s website his delight at signing for the club.

“I’m very happy to be part of West Ham, I feel very good, very happy and very grateful for the opportunity that has been provided to me.

“I want the Club to continue giving opportunities to young and ambitious people, people who want to do well for the long term.

“I know about the loyal fans and the stadium, which is a beautiful stadium. The fans fill the stadium every weekend and that is something admirable, especially with the passion with which football is lived there. I think it is important to play with the support of your fans at home.”

West Ham fans will hope to see the first glimpse of their new signing in a pre-season schedule that includes fixtures against Fulham and Athletic Bilbao as well as participation in the Premier League Asia Trophy.