Lucas Paqueta says he is “extremely happy” to have joined West Ham, who have paid a reported €60million (£51.2m) fee to sign the Brazilian from Lyon.
The 25-year-old was also linked with the Hammers’ Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.
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He made the move to Lyon in 2020 after an underwhelming spell with AC Milan.
Paqueta scored 21 and assisted 14 in 80 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit and also has seven goals in 33 caps for Brazil.
West Ham confirmed the signing of Paqueta on Monday evening. The player will wear the number 11 shirt.
The Brazilian becomes the Iron’s eighth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Emerson Palmieri, Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer, Alphonse Areola and Flynn Downes.
“I am extremely happy to be here. I hope it’s the beginning of an enjoyable journey. I hope my time here is successful,” the South American told the club’s official website.
“Last season, West Ham had a very good season and I hope they continue to enjoy more and more good seasons in my time at the club.
“I am excited to pull on the West Ham shirt and show the fans what I can do, to help my team-mates and the club.”
Hammers manager David Moyes was high in praise of Paqueta and believes the signing can help the club continue their push to finish inside the European spots in the Premier League.
“I’m delighted to welcome Lucas to West Ham,” Moyes added.
“He’s a player I’ve admired from afar for a very long time and of course, we saw him close up in our Europa League campaign last season.
“He’s a very talented footballer and whilst he will need time to adapt to the Premier League, we’re excited about adding another proven international to our squad.”
West Ham face Tottenham at home on Wednesday evening, three days after they scored their first goal and picked up their first win of the season against Aston Villa.
Following the victory at Villa Park, Moyes explained how the signing of Scamacca can help ease the burden on Michail Antonio.
He said: “I said to Mic a few weeks ago, there is no way we are changing. Mic has been so good for us over the last two-and-a-half years,” Moyes explained.
“What we have needed to do is get somebody who we think can play one week or change as a substitute. We didn’t have that option last year which we had today to bring Mic on…
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