West Ham snaps up Mexico star Hernandez
Mexican striker Javier Hernandez has completed a transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to West Ham United for 16 million pounds (US$20.85 million), the English Premier League club announced on Monday.
The 29-year-old, who previously spent five years in England with Manchester United winning two league titles, joins Slaven Bilic's side on a three-year deal after completing a medical in London.
A popular figure in his home country, Hernandez became Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer earlier this year after scoring 48 goals in 96 appearances, including at two World Cups. His two years at Bundesliga outfit Leverkusen also yielded 28 goals in 54 games.
Hernandez, known as 'Chicharito', arrives at West Ham following the high-profile acquisitions of Argentine Pablo Zabaleta, England's Joe Hart and Austrian Marko Arnautovic.
The Mexican told the club's website that he could not wait to get started at the London Stadium.
"For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club," he told the club's website.
"It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season."
Joint-chairman David Sullivan highlighted the international experience the former Real Madrid striker would bring to the club.
"He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well in the UEFA Champions League and at international level with Mexico," Sullivan said.
"We now have some fantastic options in attacking positions and, like all West Ham fans, I am looking forward to seeing Javier score goals in a claret and blue shirt next season."
Meanwhile, Juventus has signed promising Fiorentina forward Federico Bernardeschi on a five-year deal for 40 million euros (US$46.56 million), the Italian champion announced on Monday.
The 23-year-old joins Juventus having spent three years in Florence, scoring 11 goals in the last Serie A season, the youngest player to do so, and collecting nine caps for Italy.
Bernardeschi, a versatile forward, was described by Juventus on its website (www.juventus.com) as one of Europe's "most promising attacking talents".
"A new era is about to begin in Turin and Federico Bernardeschi is set to be a key part of it," the statement said.
He is the most expensive transfer for Massimiliano Allegri's side in the close season transfer window, as Juventus looks to build a side capable of winning a record seventh successive league title.