At last!
After weeks of speculation, misleading tweets and many doubts, West Ham have officially announced the capture of Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet.
The France international has signed a five-year deal at the club and is our third summer signing after Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria and Darren Randolph of Birmingham.
Payet was Europe’s third best assist provider last season with 17, behind only Kevin De Bruyne (20), Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi (both 18). The fact we’ve managed to sign him for for little over £10million represents a huge coup for the club and it’s a clear indication of the ambition the club currently has.
Those close to the club claim more big summer signings are set to follow soon, too. Alex Song and Carl Jenkinson are both expected to return to the club at some point, while there are still rumours claiming we’re hoping to bring in Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy.
If we can do all of those deals then it will be a massive summer for the club. Slaven Bilic has hit the ground running in the transfer market and will, if all goes well, have an extremely strong and experienced squad going in to what will prove to be a long final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Payet said upon completing the deal: “West Ham really showed me that they wanted me to come, both the Joint-Chairmen and the manager.
“That’s very important for me. I was also keen to sign up to a clear project. West Ham’s is very interesting and matches perfectly with my ambitions.
“Firstly I spoke with the manager, who really wished for me to come here and had been watching me a lot. He made it clear that he wanted me to sign and that too was important in my choice.
“I’m an attacking footballer so for sure I like attacking football and that they’re counting on me to help achieve that gives me a sense of responsibility. The fact that I’m here is also down to that.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s true that it’s taken a little while but that’s normal, negotiations are like that. But now that it’s done, I’m very happy.”
Here’s how the fans reacted to Payet’s arrival…
BREAKING: #WHUFC are delighted to announce the signing of @FFF midfielder @dimpayet17 – http://t.co/VKFKizs6qj 1/3 pic.twitter.com/dD38zHyxxQ
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 26, 2015
BREAKING: @dimpayet17 joins the Hammers on a five-year contract for an undisclosed eight-figure fee from @om_officiel #WelcomeDimitri 2/3
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 26, 2015
Dimitri Payet is one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe at the moment. And now he’s a Hammer. Wonderful. #COYI #WHUFC
— WestHamWorld.co.uk (@WestHamWorld) June 26, 2015
Dimitri Payet to West Ham is a deal and a half. What a player. The club’s ambition shining through. #COYI
— James Jones (@ByJamesJones) June 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/WHUFC_News/status/614421370085183488/photo/1
Dimitri Payet: Played more key passes (134) than any other player in Europe's top 5 leagues last season #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/AxPeol4uRt
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/Dazza_Hammer/status/614426832360878080
What a relief that he's signed. Welcome Payat.
— Terry M ⚒⚒⚒ (@terrym66) June 26, 2015
DRINK IT IN. pic.twitter.com/emkT523Jry
— Paul Slater (@paulslater_) June 26, 2015
I still can't get my head around how we have signed him. Unbelievable Jeff.
— West Ham COYI (@TheHammers_) June 26, 2015
I'm pleased to announce the signing of French international Dimitri Payet from Marseille. Welcome Dimitri. dg pic.twitter.com/SqzNhBFAAj
— David Gold (@davidgold) June 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/coyi1895/status/614427186683101184
I'm so happy viva Dimitri
— freddo ⚒ (@claretandblue_) June 26, 2015
DONE DEAL: West Ham have announced the signing of Dimitri Payet from Marseille http://t.co/PtVUk3ZSzt pic.twitter.com/Jc2T3PAd6E
— GOAL News (@GoalNews) June 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/JackLebeau66/status/614427277804339200
'Be careful what you wish for' they said… pic.twitter.com/I1uBVw9KqR
— Read West Ham (@ReadWestHam) June 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/Tjdunn92/status/614427332695228416
https://twitter.com/6_AaronLee/status/614427379700776960
West Ham have just signed a player more creative than Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard or Cesc Fabregas http://t.co/5XZp5wrbO1
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/Jenky67/status/614427827824402432
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