West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has admitted he worked ‘solid’ for ten days in order to complete the signing of Pablo Zabaleta.
The 32-year-old defender will become the club’s first summer signing on July 1, when he is set to arrive from Manchester City on a two-year deal.
The Hammers announced the confirmed deal on their official club website on Friday, with Zabaleta set to end a nine-year association with Man City when his contract at the Etihad expires next month.
Sullivan, who was one of the figures leading the charge to sign Zabaleta this summer, admits that he had to work round the clock for ten days to ensure the Argentina international secured a move to the London Stadium.
He told the club’s official website: “I have been working on this solid for the last ten days since Manchester City gave us permission to speak to the player and I am absolutely delighted that Pablo has agreed to become a Hammer.
“He is a top player and a supreme professional. He plays for one of the top countries in the world in Argentina and he’ll be a fantastic addition to our squad.
“We are thoroughly looking forward to seeing not only what Pablo himself can do on the pitch, but also the positive effect he can have on the promising young players in our squad.”
The full-back was brought in by West Ham as they seek further reinforcements to their defensive ranks, following the winter arrival of experienced centre-back Jose Fonte.
Their lack of clean sheets last season was a considerable area of concern for Bilic and West Ham, but the arrival of Zabaleta represents the club’s intentions to improve ahead of next season.
Zabaleta has been a crucial player for Man City as they emerged as one of Europe’s elite players, making 332 appearances in all competitions for the club, including 32 appearances under Pep Guardiola last term.