West Ham have made their sixth signing of the summer in the capture of Swiss striker Albian Ajeti who has joined from FC Basel.
He's signed on a four-year deal with the option to go for a further two years in a deal believed to be worth over €8 million.
The Swiss international had been part of the national side that took part in the Nations League finals in Portugal in June. Last season for his club Basel, the 22-year-old made over 70 appearances across two spells with the side - scoring over 30 goals.
Speaking to West Ham's club website, Ajeti said, “I’m very excited to be here. It is a pleasure for me to be here, at this big club.
“Once I felt West Ham’s interest, I didn’t have to think twice about signing for such a big, traditional club in the Premier League. This is a big day for me and my family.”
Introducing our new striker... #WelcomeAjeti pic.twitter.com/h6T0fL1Tuu
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) August 8, 2019
He is the second striker to sign for the club this summer following the acquisition of Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt for over €48 million (£45 million). He is joining West Ham at a time when they need to fill the departures of Marko Arnautovic and Andy Carroll.
Speaking after the signing was announced, Director of Football Mario Husillos said, “he has scored a lot of goals, both for Basel and the Switzerland national team at a number of levels, and we feel he is ready to make this big step with West Ham.
“Our approach this summer – not counting the experienced goalkeepers who have arrived – has been to sign young players who have their best years in front of them and can have a good impact.
"We believe Albian is ready to perform from the beginning, but we also think that an international player of 22-years-old can improve greatly working with us. We wish him all the very best in his career at London Stadium."
