West Ham United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee in the region of £7.75m.
The 29-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract until June 2027, and there is an option to extend his deal by a further year.
Areola spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan with the Hammers where he played second fiddle to Lukasz Fabianski in the Premier League, starting only three times.
However, the Frenchman was a regular starter between the sticks during their memorable Europa League run to the semi-finals, starting in 11 of their 12 games and keeping five clean sheets.
Speaking to club's official website about his arrival on a permanent basis, Areola said: "I feel good, I feel great, I'm happy to sign and happy to stay here permanently and I can't wait to start to train and to do the job.
"The main thing is that I felt the love of the supporters last season. Something for me that is really important is to feel that I'm loved. I know that I have to do my job and to do everything to make them happy, and obviously also the team, my teammates, the staff and Xavi Valero as well. The vibe of last season was great, so I just wanted to do everything to stay here.
Here to stay, @AreolaOfficiel 🧤 pic.twitter.com/tiraXyEAUV
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 27, 2022
"I feel comfortable, I feel like when I'm signing in a club, I want to feel that it's like my second family. Obviously, we're here every day and we are sharing lots of times together, so I have to feel comfortable with everyone and feel them comfortable with me as well, so I just feel comfortable here."
Manager David Moyes added: "Alphonse made a huge contribution to the club during his loan spell last season. His performances backed up why we see him as a top goalkeeper.
"He brings proven quality and experience at the highest level, both on the domestic and international scene. We're delighted he's with us permanently and look forward to welcoming him back for pre-season."
Areola leaves PSG after 16 years with the French giants, where he kept 53 clean sheets in 106 matches across all competitions.
During his time with the Ligue 1 champions, the goalkeeper was loaned out six times, spending temporary spells with Lens, Bastia, Villarreal, Real Madrid and Fulham before joining West Ham last summer.
Areola will now compete with Fabianski for a second season for the number one jersey at the London Stadium, with both stoppers hoping to start between the sticks for West Ham's opening Premier League fixture at home against champions Manchester City on August 7.
Oliver Thomas
