West Ham have completed the signing of Cruzeiro forward Wellington Paulista on a six-month loan deal.
The 29-year-old striker, who has scored 75 goals in 160 games for Cruzeiro, makes the move to the Premier League with the option of a three-year permanent deal come the summer.
Paulista has revealed his pleasure at completing his transfer from South America, but was also keen to state his desire to prove himself in London.
He told the club’s official website: “I am really happy to be here at West Ham.
“Everyone has been very kind to me since I have been at the club this week. I think I can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better.
“I am strong, I am a fighter and I can score with both feet. I run a lot on the pitch and I can play as either as first or second striker.”
The Brazilian is Hammers boss Sam Allardyce’s fourth January recruit after midfielder Joe Cole and strikers Marouane Chamakh and Sean Maguire.
Joint-chairman David Sullivan welcomed Paulista to Upton Park, adding that the Brazilian can go on to prove an “excellent acquisiton” for the club.
Sullivan said: “I’d like to welcome Wellington Paulista to east London and West Ham. He is another exciting player to add to our squad and although he may not be that well known on these shores, he comes with an excellent track record in Brazil.
“His arrival is similar to some of the other ‘wildcard’ players we have signed before like in Demba Ba and Ilan. They both made significant contributions and if he can match their efforts he will be an excellent acquisition for West Ham.”
Paulista has enjoyed a prolific career across Brazil with clubs such as Santos and Botafogo, as well as a spell in Europe with Spanish side Alaves.
Source: whufc.com
