The 2024 summer transfer window has 'slammed shut' - with West Ham making a series of moves on the final day.
Carlos Soler was the only arrival on a busy day across the country, moving from Paris St Germain on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.The 27-year-old became Julen Lopetegui's ninth signing of a busy summer, having completed a medical in London on Friday afternoon.
"It has always been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League, and to be doing it in London with a club like West Ham is an incredible feeling," said the 14-times capped Spanish international.
"I can’t wait to feel the support of the fans, who I have already heard so much about from conversations with people who know the club - like my good friend, Pablo Fornals.
"I am excited about meeting my new team-mates and giving my all for this club, in the best league in the world."
Technical Director Tim Steidten, who has been at the head of negotiations for most of the new arrivals was delighted to conclude a successful window with Soler's signing.
"We’re delighted with the business we’ve managed to complete and I’m sure the fans are as excited as we all are for the remainder of the season," he said.
"We’re delighted to welcome Carlos to West Ham United. We’ve admired him for some time and whilst we’ve had to wait until the final day of the summer transfer window to secure his services, we’re really pleased to have him on board for the remainder of the season.
"He’s a really talented player, who will add undoubted quality to our midfield department. His ability on the ball is unquestionable and we’re excited about seeing him in a West Ham shirt."
The transfer is not understood to include any option or obligation to buy.
Headlining the departures on deadline day were two big signings from the previous management regime.
Nayef Aguerd, who had not featured in any of Julen Lopetegui's Premier League squads this season completed a move to Real Sociedad just before the 11pm deadline.
The Moroccan international moves to Sociedad on a season-long loan - understood to be with no obligation or option to make the deal permanent.
Aguerd spent two years at West Ham following a £30milion move from Ligue 1 club Rennes, but failed to settle in London and had requested a move.
And James Ward-Prowse, another £30milion signing just 12 months ago is now a Nottingham Forest player after completing his season-long loan move to the City Ground.
"I’m delighted to be here," said the midfielder. "When I knew I had the opportunity to join the club and come and show what I can do, I thought it was a fantastic opportunity.
"Having played Nottingham Forest a few times, the atmosphere here is one of the best I’ve played in in the Premier League, so to now hopefully experience that week in, week out is something really special."
And finally, as far as England's transfer window is concerned, Maxwel Cornet is expected to be unveiled as a Southampton player - again, on loan for the season - once his paperwork has been processed. It is reported the Saints were granted a two-hour extension in which to complete the necessary documentation, having failed to meet the 11pm deadline.
* Kurt Zouma's move to Al-Orouba is expected to be completed this weekend.
[UPDATE] Maxwel Cornet's move to Southampton has been completed, as expected.
Saints manager Russell Martin said: “Maxwel is a very dynamic player and he gives us another exciting dimension to the group.
“He’s someone who can be a real threat to the opposition on the pitch and I’m delighted the ownership group and board have been able to get another attacking option in for us.
“He’s really excited to be coming here and I think it’s a move that can bring out the best in him and work really well for both him and us.”
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