West Ham United have completed the signing of German international centre-forward Niclas Füllkrug.
The striker joins the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract for an fee in the region of £22million.
Hannover-born Füllkrug has scored more than 50 goals in the Bundesliga and 13 in 21 caps for Germany, while adding three in last season’s UEFA Champions League for Dortmund and two each at the last World Cup and Euros.
And the 6’2 forward has become Julen Lopetegui's latest acquisition, as he preapres to play in the English Premier League for the first time.
"I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with my new teammates,” said Füllkrug. “I think the Premier League is the best league in the world, and for me it is the right time to move over to England and play for a club like West Ham.
"I have been thinking about West Ham for a long time now - I know Tim Steidten very well because we have history at Werder Bremen together and I have watched some games and seen how much quality there is in the team.
"The chance to play under the Head Coach [Lopetegui] is also really exciting. His playing style is important for me, and I am confident that under him I will be able to perform at my best, and score lots of goals.
"I love being close to supporters, and I’m really looking forward to meeting the West Ham fans. I have a very good feeling at the moment - I’m strong, fit and in shape - and I just want to get out there and start playing for them."
Tim Steidten, who concluded the deal on behalf of the Hammers added: "We are delighted to have signed Niclas. I have worked with him previously and I know what he will bring to us in terms of his physical and finishing qualities, as well as his character and mentality.
"He has enjoyed a really positive last couple of seasons, both at club level, where he played in the Champions League final last season, and with Germany at the Euros this summer, and he joins us with a clear desire to build upon that progress and prove himself in the Premier League.
"Niclas has great experience and is at the stage of his career where we feel he can really give us his best years. He is someone who we have watched very closely, and who we believe will be an excellent fit for the team and for the Club. We look forward to seeing the qualities he will bring."
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