Swiss playmaker Edimilson Fernandes has signed for West Ham United.
West Ham United’s new signing Edimilson Fernandes is introduced to the fans
On Thursday evening, West Ham United confirmed the signing of Sion playmaker Edimilson Fernandes – and he received a message of support from ex-Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes, his cousin.
It was a dismal evening for West Ham as they lost 1-0 at home to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu, meaning they have crashed out of the Europa League in the qualifying rounds for the second year in a row.
Edimilson Fernandes in action for Sion
However, there was some good news for Hammers fans, as moments before kick off, the club confirmed the signing of playmaker Edimilson Fernandes on a four-year contract.
Fernandes, 20, has emerged as one of the top young talents in Swiss football in recent years, scoring twice in 48 appearances for Sion having come up through the ranks with the club, whilst he even impressed against Liverpool in Europa League last season.
Gelson Fernandes
Now, the 6ft 3in playmaker has committed his future to West Ham United, and he may have an experienced presence close at hand as he makes his big move to England.
Edimilson’s cousin is midfielder Gelson Fernandes, who also left Sion for the Premier League aged 20, joining Manchester City back in 2007 – but West Ham’s new signing will be hoping for a longer stay, given that Gelson left City after just two years.
Gelson Fernandes in action for Manchester City
Now 29, Gelson is playing in France with Rennes, and has racked up more than 50 caps for the Swiss national team, whilst he’s also turned out for the likes of Saint-Etienne, Leicester City, Udinese and Freiburg in a strong career.
After Edimilson completed his move to the London Stadium, Gelson took to Twitter to send a message of support to the youngster, telling him how proud he was to see him follow in his footsteps make his switch to England.
Do you think Edimilson Fernandes will have more success in the Premier League than his cousin Gelson?
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