By Gonzo
West Ham United have officially announced the signing of Aston Villa striker Danny Ings. Yesterday morning Sky Sports News leaked the transfer before the player had completed his medical, following an agreement on personal terms.
It is believed the former Southampton front man will cost £12m with and additional £3m based on performance related payments. Whilst we’ll never know the precise composition of any deal, it’s probably safe to assume the add-on’s will be triggered in the event of the Hammers avoiding relegation.
The transfer has been hurried through ahead of our crucial game against Everton, Gianluca Scamacca is rumoured to be injured and Antonio unhappy with his role in the squad. West Ham beat off competition from two other Premier League teams for Ings signature, and he goes straight into the squad for the 3pm Saturday kick-off.
It will be interesting to see if David Moyes starts with Ings given Antonio’s recent comments on his podcast.
Ings was clearly delighted to be joining the Hammers and said. “I’m really excited to join West Ham United. It’s important I settle in as quickly as I can, and do the important stuff on the pitch for West Ham.
We’ve got some massive games ahead of us, and I’ve come here to try and score as many goals as I can, to help the team to get some positive results. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”
Everton are also attempting to tie-up a transfer ahead for Friday’s midday deadline, having agreed a deal for former Irons target Arnaut Danjuma.
Manager David Moyes is looking forward to seeing the experienced striker join his squad and bolster his attacking options.
“I’m really pleased to add Danny to the squad,” he said.
“He is a proven Premier League goalscorer and will add great competition for places in the attacking third.
“We’re looking forward to integrating him into the group, as we go into a busy period in our season.”
Ings has 68 Premier League goals to his name in 188 top-flight appearances, netted at an impressive rate of better than one in three for Burnley, Liverpool, Southampton and Aston Villa, with a single-season best of 22 for the Saints in 2019/20.