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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Sebastian Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt.
What’s the word?
The Hammers have broken their transfer record to secure the French striker’s signature in this transfer window.
Indeed, Football FanCast sources have confirmed that the club have paid an initial £45m for Haller, which could rise to £50m depending on certain performance-related bonuses. He has signed a five-year contract in east London.
The former Utrecht striker scored 20 goals in all competitions last season and the deal to sign him far eclipses the £36m paid for Felipe Anderson last summer.
Speaking after the deal was confirmed, he said: “I think it’s a really good opportunity for me to be here.
“It means a lot (to be the club’s most expensive transfer). It proves that the club really wanted me for a long time. I felt this desire to sign me and I’m really happy to sign, also. it is an ambitious club, a nice club, a nice city and nice fans too.
“For me, I can guarantee that I will give 100% for the club because the club has given me this confidence and I will try to give it back every day in every game.
“I will always give 100% and respect the club. I think this is a normal thing and that I can guarantee. I know it’s a big transfer and there is a lot of expectation around me, and I just want to make people proud of this transfer and I will give everything I have.”
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A change in the way they operate
West Ham are finally acting like a big club.
Prior to the move to the London Stadium in 2016/17, their record purchase was Andy Carroll, for £15m.
Now, the transfer for Haller is worth treble that and, in sealing the deal, the Irons have solved a major problem position.
With Marko Arnautovic moving to Shanghai SIPG for a fee of £22.5m, per sources, West Ham have acquired a player who is proven at the highest level in his stead – he has been directly involved in 37 goals in 60 games in the Bundesliga, and also netted 41 times in 82 outings in the Eredivisie.
This is a statement of intent from the Irons that they are not about to settle for mid-table obscurity anymore.
Having also secured Pablo Fornals in this transfer window, this is shaping up to be a remarkably exciting season for those fans in east London.
