Albian Ajeti excited by Hammers move

Albian Ajeti says he’s thrilled to have signed for a traditional club after completing his deadline day transfer from FC Basel to West Ham United. The 22-year-old Switzerland international striker joins the Hammers on an initial four-year contract, with the option to extend it for two more seasons.

Ajeti, who scored 29 league goals in 58 appearances during his second stint with Basel, said: “I am very excited to be here. It is a pleasure for me to be here, at this big club. “Once I heard of West Ham’s interest, I didn’t have to think twice about signing for such a big, traditional club in the Premier League. This is a big day for me and my family.”

Ajeti made his competitive debut for Basel when he was only 17 before being transferred to Augsburg in January 2016. However, he failed to make an impact at the German side and signed for St Gallen, initially on loan, where he scored 14 goals in 38 appearances, before returning to Basel in October 2017. He made his international debut in the Nations League victory against Iceland 11 months ago and has gone on to feature in two more matches for his country.

Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini has now signed six players this summer with Goncalo Cardoso, Pablo Fornals, Sebastien Haller, David Martin and Roberto all joining the club since the end of last season. Adrian, Andy Carroll, Sam Byram, Marko Arnautovic, Pedro Obiang and Lucas Perez are just some of the players that have left West Ham this summer.

West Ham, 10.00 to clinch a top-six finish in the Premier League this season, are 6.00 to draw with Manchester City on Saturday.