A number of West Ham supporters have been left raving on social media after it was confirmed that the club had secured the signing of Paraguay international Fabian Balbuena from Corinthians.
The Irons revealed the capture of the centre back via both their official Twitter account and website, with the 26-year-old confirmed to have put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the London Stadium, making him the sixth new arrival at the east London outfit.
Welcome to West Ham United, @FBalbuenito! #TheGeneralIsHere pic.twitter.com/0muyVNmIuj
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 14, 2018
With another senior signing to welcome, many of the Hammers faithful were left impressed by their latest bit of business, with Balbuena joining Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks as another new name to bolster the backline.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the fans’ best messages on Twitter:
This could be the coup of the season. £3.5m and been really highly rated. Excited to see the general in action!
— Brad Palmer ? #WHUFC (@Mr_BA6) July 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/BenCGAL/status/1018110639250792448
https://twitter.com/RemarkableRice/status/1018110761074397186
A thing of beauty #WelcomeBalbuena
— Claret and Blue Army (@WestHamBlood) July 14, 2018
Quality signing
— The West Ham Vault (@TheWestHamVault) July 14, 2018
For sure the best signing for the back this year.
— João Menezes???? (@Jog_mene699) July 14, 2018
Yes lads
— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) July 14, 2018
Opinion
He might only be a defender from South America, but Balbuena’s capture has certainly not left the West Ham fans disappointed – and they are right not to be, considering his international pedigree. Many of them are excited to see another defensive recruit arrive at the London Stadium, and after their performances last season, it is no surprise to see him brought in. Winston Reid’s injury blow, with the New Zealand international out of action for three months at least, also makes this move a necessary one, and there could still be further reinforcements arriving to help bolster the back line before the end of summer.