West Ham United have announced the signing of Argentina international Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder makes the move to the London Stadium after departing La Liga outfit Real Betis, where he had spent four-and-a-half seasons before his contract expired in June.
Rodriguez boasts a wealth of experience at the highest level having won the 2022 World Cup as well as two Copa America titles with Argentina, most recently winning the latter competition earlier this summer.
Capped 30 times by his country, Rodriguez began his career with River Plate before winning Mexican league and cup titles at Club America while playing alongside new West Ham teammate Edson Alvarez.
Rodriguez then played 173 times for Real Betis and won the Spanish Copa del Rey with Manuel Pellegrini's side in 2022.
The Saenz Pena-born midfielder was linked with a potential switch to Barcelona earlier this summer, but he has instead become Julen Lopetegui's sixth signing of the summer transfer window after Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman, Wes Foderingham, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug, the latter of whom was unveiled as a new Hammers player on Monday.
Our Argentinian Iron 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/KwJqSrl7qG
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 6, 2024
Rodriguez fulfilling "dream" by joining West Ham
"I'm very happy to be here," Rodriguez told West Ham's official website. "I feel like it's every footballer's dream to play in the Premier League, and I was very excited when I heard that West Ham were interested in me.
"It's a historic club, that has a really interesting project. I think it's the right club for me, at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing. I spoke to Edson [Alvarez] before signing, and we're both really looking forward to working together again.
"I will help the team in any way I can. I will bring experience to the team, and though I'm aware the Premier League is very physical, I'm ready to put the work in to make sure I'm up to the task.
"What I can say to the fans is that I will give them everything. I'm very motivated, and I think together with the supporters we can achieve many good things. I just can't wait to get going now!"
West Ham United is delighted to confirm the signing of Argentina international, FIFA World Cup and two-time Copa América winner Guido Rodríguez 🏆🇦🇷
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 6, 2024
Steidten: 'Rodriguez signing a massive moment for West Ham'
West Ham's technical director Tim Steidten added: "This is a massive moment for West Ham United in bringing a player of Guido's pedigree to the club. He is a player I have admired for a long time, and we couldn't be happier to have completed the deal to bring him to East London.
"Guido is a defensive midfielder whose intelligence in and out of possession is a real strength to his game. He is also a proven winner, having won the World Cup, Copa America and Finalissima with Argentina, so to have secured his services is a big statement of intent by the club.
"We feel it is important to strike a balance between youth and experience across the squad, and adding a player with the experience and leadership qualities of Guido will be a real asset to the club moving forwards.
"It's a busy period in this transfer window, and the board are continuing to show they're backing us to bring quality players to West Ham United."
Rodriguez will soon become the ninth Argentine to represent West Ham after Mauricio Taricco, current national-team manager Lionel Scaloni, Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez, Mauro Zarate, Manuel Lanzini, Jonathan Calleri and Pablo Zabaleta.
The midfielder will now link up with his new West Ham teammates and will hope to make his debut in the Hammers' opening Premier League game of the new season at home against Aston Villa on August 17.
