West Ham have signed highly rated young midfielder Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee.
The Spain under 21 international has put pen to paper on a four year deal to play at Upton Park next season, before the club moves into the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
Obiang made 34 Serie A appearances last season, playing a key role in securing Europa League football for Sampdoria.
West Ham fought off competition from many of Europe’s top clubs to snap up the 23 year old, who is excited about the new challenge.
“I’m very happy to have signed,” said Obiang, talking to the Hammers’ official website.
“We have been talking about this for a long time and now I’ve finally got the chance to come here.
“I went on holiday after the season had finished and I was looking forward to receiving that call to tell me where and when to sign for this club!
“I’m very excited to play in the Premier League. It’s a style of football that will help me to progress as a player and as a person, so it will be very good.”
The player is also relishing the chance to work under new manager Slaven Bilic, who signed a three year contract two days ago, replacing Sam Allardyce.
“I think Bilic is a manager that can do very well here. I know that he was a West Ham player and he did very well with the Croatian national team.
“He is a manager that likes to play good football and I really like that so I am sure that we will get along very well.”
Obiang left Atletico Madrid’s youth setup at 16 to join Sampdoria, where he has spent the last seven years.
He has also represented Spain at Under 17 and Under 19 level, and made two appearances for the Under 21’s.
Obiang becomes West Ham’s second marquee signing of the summer, after goalkeeper Darren Randolph arrived from Birmingham City.
By Joseph Richardson
@Jj147Joseph