adminDONE DEAL; West Ham have confirmed the signing of SENSATIONAL striker from Portuguese club Gil Vicente.
The Hammers have completed the signing of the 22-year-old forward for a reported €25 million (£21.8m), with the player putting pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract that includes the option of an additional season.
West Ham were in the market for attacking reinforcements following Niclas Füllkrug’s loan departure to AC Milan, leaving 33-year-old Callum Wilson as the club’s only recognised striker.
Pablo Felipe becomes Nuno Espírito Santo’s first acquisition since taking over as head coach in east London. The Brazilian arrives after an impressive spell with Gil Vicente, where he made 13 Primeira Liga appearances this season and found the net ten times.
He began his career in Brazil with Fluminense before moving to Portugal in 2019 to join Famalicão, where he signed his first professional contract in 2021.
His time there included two loan spells, first with Paços de Ferreira in Liga Portugal 2, where he scored once in 15 outings, and later with Gil Vicente.
Pablo featured 23 times for Gil Vicente last season, scoring five goals, a return that earned him a permanent transfer to the club. His strong start to the current campaign then caught the attention of West Ham.
Nuno identified the forward as a key target due to his goal-scoring instincts, creativity, and tireless work rate.
The hope is that Pablo can replicate his fine form in the Premier League as West Ham battle to steer clear of relegation.
West Ham’s business may not stop there, with Lazio striker Valentín Castellanos also expected to arrive. The Argentine has reportedly travelled to England to finalise a move worth around €30 million (£26.17m).
Speaking after completing his move, Pablo expressed his excitement at joining the club.
“I’m very happy. I will give everything for this Club – all my effort, all my dedication,” he said.
“The fans appreciate players who fight for the badge, and I can promise I’ll leave every last drop of sweat on the pitch.
“I’ve come here to prove myself. I know I’m young, but at a Club like this you have to give your all for the team and for your teammates.”
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