West Ham United’s David Sullivan has commented on the deal to sign Jose Fonte.
West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has told the club’s official website that Jose Fonte became the club’s top target once they knew he was available.
The Hammers beat Middlesbrough 3-1 at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as Andy Carroll scored either side of Cristhian Stuani’s equaliser for Boro, and Jonathan Calleri sealed the victory with a late third.
It’s now five wins in the last seven games for West Ham, and Slaven Bilic’s men are now up into tenth place in the Premier League table, moving further clear of the relegation zone.
Jose Fonte warming up for Southampton
Bilic was handed a blow after the game as Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, but he will immediately be replaced by new signing Jose Fonte.
Fonte, 33, racked up nearly 300 appearances for Southampton following a 2010 move from Crystal Palace, but handed in a transfer request earlier this month in a bid to force a move away from the South Coast.
West Ham United’s Sam Byram in action with Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke
After weeks of speculation, it was West Ham who swooped to sign him on Friday evening, with the club confirming on their official website that Fonte had signed in an £8million deal, handing him a two-and-a-half year contract.
Fonte wasn’t able to play against Middlesbrough, but will now be available for selection, and hands Bilic a proven Premier League centre back, with co-chairman David Sullivan telling the club’s official website that the Portugal international became West Ham’s top target as soon as they knew he was available for transfer.
Sullivan added that he’s delighted to see Sam Byram impressing in the West Ham defence, as the right back has added balance to Bilic’s back line, and added that he thinks Byram will be a real asset once he establishes himself as a regular.
“We have signed Jose Fonte and he is a top-class defender who will add strength, depth and leadership to our squad,” said Sullivan. “When we knew Jose was available, we made him a top target and were delighted to beat off some big clubs for his signature. It is a big statement of intent.”
“Talking of defenders, it was great to see Sam Byram back in the team at Middlesbrough and playing so well. He is still young and I am sure, if he is fit and has a run of games, he can be a real asset for us because he has great ability,” he added.
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