West Ham co-owner David Gold has confirmed the signing of Lazio attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson, and fans are over the moon.
He joins the club on a four-year deal after playing in Italy for the past five seasons.
Gold made the announcement on his personal Twitter page on Sunday morning.
I am delighted to confirm the Club record signing of Lazio attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson.
Felipe joins Manuel Pellegrini’s side on a four-year contract, having completed five hugely-successful seasons in Italy with Lazio. Good luck Felipe. dg pic.twitter.com/SYcLQr7bRQ— David Gold (@davidgold) July 15, 2018
It brings to an end a long-running transfer saga that a lot of West Ham fans didn’t think would get over the line, and reportedly smashes their transfer record of £22.5million for Issa Diop earlier in the summer.
According to exWHUemployee, a solid source of West Ham news, Anderson has set the club back £40million, plus add-ons.
My understand was it’s a set fee of £40m and then achievement based clauses on things like appearances, goals, caps etc https://t.co/P54YW72coW
— ExWHUEmployee (@ExWHUEmployee) July 15, 2018
Here are the best reactions from delighted West Ham fans after hearing the news:
David you have taken a lot of criticism from the fans (including me) this window was seen as last chance for you and the board and I have to say you have finally restored some faith for me! You have put serious faith back in to the West Ham fans so I congratulate you ????
— Joel Guy ? (@Joel_guy_89) July 15, 2018
Excellent work DG , DS, MP, MH. COYI ??????This really is starting to look like next level stuff . Couple of loans now and we are up there challenging. Exciting time to be a HAMMER ????? COYI
— WesthamDan01 (@DanHammer1978) July 15, 2018
Amazing signing thank you very much for this transfer window ??????
— Caleb Turner (@CalebTurner97) July 15, 2018
@clarke_derek wow big moves
— Steven Clarke (@StevenSaidThis) July 15, 2018
DG making big movements in this transfer window ???
— Zac (@zacwilkinson17) July 15, 2018
OPINION
What a difference a year makes! Last season, the relationship between the fans and the board hit an all-time low, with violent protests inside the London Stadium. The board, and David Gold, has taken note and have completely changed their tack this summer, signing Manuel Pellegrini and bringing in a load of new players. They’ve broken their transfer record twice and smashed it with the most recent signing, paying a reported £40m for Felipe Anderson. The fans have responded, with many praising David Gold for the brilliant summer business. One fan said Gold had restored his faith in the board and that’s a great way to start the season.