Alphonse Areola of France poses for a potrait at the team hotel during the official FIFA World Cup 2018 portrait session at on June 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.
West Ham have completed the signing of Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan.
The 28-year-old moves to east London on an initial season-long deal, with the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer of 2022.
Areola spent last season on loan at Fulham, making 36 appearances in the Premier League.
Areola said: “I’m happy. For me it was the best opportunity to sign for this Club, to sign for West Ham and to try my best to help the team.
“West Ham did a big season last year. Obviously we have the Europa League and the Premier League and the two cups, so it will be a tough season and a long season but I think we’re going to enjoy it all together.
“We have (sic) really good squad. I watched games last season so I know the potential and the talent in this squad, so I can’t wait to start.”
David Moyes added: “Alphonse is an experienced and talented goalkeeper who has played at the highest level and performed very well in the Premier League last season.
France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (C) holds the trophy next to (L-R) France's forward Ousmane Dembele, France's defender Presnel Kimpembe, France's forward Olivier Giroud, France's midfielder Paul Pogba, France's goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, France's defender Benjamin Pavard and France's midfielder Steven N'Zonzi as they pose during a reception at the Elysee Presidential Palace on July 16, 2018 in Paris, after they won the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match.
“As we prepare for a very busy schedule, he will provide fantastic competition for the goalkeepers already at the football club and we are going to need to use our squad to ensure (sic) compete to the best of our abilities across all competitions.”
Despite Fulham’s relegation, Areola was a consistently high performer for Scott Parker’s side.
The former Real Madrid man kept nine clean sheets in 36 Premier League appearances, and was a calm presence in front of Fulham’s defence.
Areola commanded his box well and showed apt reflexes throughout the season, demonstrating why he was part of France’s World Cup-winning side in 2018.
