Jose Fonte: West Ham sign the Portuguese defender for £8m

Jose Fonte (33) has signed a two and half year contract for a fee of £8m with the London based club. However the personal terms haven’t been disclosed by the club or the player.

Fonte on his arrival at the club :

“Slaven Bilic was a very big influence. I thought he really wanted me and he sold me the project and the ambition of the club. With the way that West Ham is going we can only look to be challenging in the top eight. I told the manager we want to win and we want to win trophies. The ambition is big and we need to aim high. West Ham are a massive club and it is an exciting challenge and it should be for everyone. We all need to get together and start working.” 

The former Southampton center back will be unavailable for selection when the hammers play against Middlesbrough away on Saturday.

The 33 year old played a crucial part for his national team as Portugal went on to win the 2016 European championship, however he was told by the saints in December that he wouldn’t be given a contract extension and would have to seek pastures new.

And with West Ham facing crisis in their defense the signing of the European champion was a win-win for both the player and the club.