West Ham have completed the signing of midfielder Mohammed Kudus from Ajax.
Kudus has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months, after completing his medical over the weekend.
The deal is understood to be worth around £38 million (€44.5million) including add-ons.
West Ham will pay an initial €41.5 million (£35.59million) and €3million (£2.57million) in performance-related add-ons.
An unnamed Premier League club made a late bid to sign Kudus on Saturday, but his mind was made up to join the Hammers.
“I’ve been dreaming of playing in a league like this since I was a kid,” said Kudus, who will wear the No 14 shirt at West Ham.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment and I’m so happy to be here. But it doesn’t stop here, I want to keep going.
“I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that’s what football is all about. I’m just here to do my best and help the team. I’m really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can’t wait to get started.”
David Moyes said he is looking forward to working with Kudus, who scored four goals in six Champions League group-stage appearances for Ajax last season.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United,” Mopes said.
“He’s a terrific young talent, who has already shone at the very highest level for Ajax in the Champions League and made well over 150 senior appearances at the age of 23 – so it was no surprise to see so many top club chasing his signature this summer.
“The fact we’ve been able to attract a player of his undoubted quality to London Stadium shows the pull West Ham have now – the board and Tim Steidten, West Ham’s technical director] deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line.”
Kudus scored a hat-trick for Ajax in Thursday’s Europa League play-off first leg against Bulgarian side Ludogorets as the Dutch side won 4-1 in what proved to be his last game for the club.
Source: SkySports
