WEST HAM have signed Manuel Lanzini from Al Jazira on a permanent deal after
an impressive stint at Upton Park on loan this season.
Slaven Bilic’s has splashed £9million on the Argentine forward, 23, after
bagging five goals from 18 Premier League games this season.
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Lanzini netted a stunner against Chelsea at the weekend as the Hammers
drew 2-2 at Stamford Bridge in their fight to bag a Champions League spot.
David Sullivan announced the news, saying he was delighted — even mentioning
him in the same bracket as newest hero Dimitri Payet.
Sullivan said: “You say [Dimitri] Payet and, yes, he is our star, but I can
say Lanzini, [Michail] Antonio, [Mark] Noble, [Cheikhou] Kouyate.
“We’ve just given Kouyate a new deal, even though he had more than four years
on his last one.
“We want to reward excellence. They have all played their part.”
Lanzini joined the Boleyn Ground club’s ranks last summer — initially on a
season-long loan.
Since then the former River Plate attacker has netted seven times in all
competitions from just 24 outings.
And even before news of the permanent deal was announced, boss Bilic was
thrilled with Lanzini’s impact.
Bilic said: “When I signed him I would be lying if I said that I was thinking
he would play at such a consistently high level.
“I had no idea that by this time of the season, he would have played so well.
“It’s special enough wearing the No10 shirt for River Plate, at only 18 years
of age, it is after all a very famous number, but Lanzini has developed with
us and produced some brilliant football.
“Perhaps I didn’t quite realise how good he can be. At 23, he is willing to
take responsibility, and copes easily with the pressure.”
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