Hammers find Enner Peace and Contentment

In their biggest bit of business so far this Summer, West Ham have snapped up world cup sensation Enner Valencia in a £12 million deal. Valencia had been courted by a growing gang of clubs after slotting all three of unlucky Ecuador's goals during the championship but ultimately the Hammmers have managed to capture his services on what is rumoured to be a five year deal. His World cup form is no flash in the pan, however, as the 24 year old's profile has been growing for a number of years since changing from his original position as a winger to his current striking role. 

Valencia originally emerged from the same youth academy as Man United star Antonio Valencia (no relation) before a four year spell with local Ecuadorian side Emelec helping them to their first league championship in 11 years in 2012 and winning the league's golden boot.

He then moved to Pachuca in the Mexican league where he again shone and took the league's golden boot with 18 goals in 23 appearances last season.

Hammers fans may be a little wary of such stats after the disappointment that was Pablo Barrera, but Valencia seems on a rising curve and has voice his delight at making the transition from milk farming to Premier league footie and will be relishing the oppportunity to show what he can do.




Oooh - watch you don't get a nosebleed up there mate!

One issue that will challenge Hammers fans is to identify where Valencia will fit in? At £12 million he is unlikely to be used to warm the bench but will Sam play him alongside Andy Carroll or will Mat Jarvis give way on the left? Valencia's stats suggest that he is more prolific when used in a more central attacking role and it may be that the David's ultimatum about playing more attractive footie may require playing two up front? Valencia is fast and very athletic with an ability to get up remarkably high for headers - can we can expect a new winger to arrive before the transfer season is done? In other possible ramifications, does this signal the end of Kevin Nolan's role in behind the striker?

My name is my name

Valencia is said to be quiet spoken and quite reserved but clearly this comes wth the eye of an assasin - it's hard not to notice the similarity in appearance to the Wire's calculating Marlo Stanfield ad Hammers fans will be hoping that their latest East Enner (!) can start dropping bodies on the East side. Perhaps the last word should go to his aunt who has warned the defensive thugs in the Premiership that if they touch her Enner that they will have her (formidable) presence to deal with! 

Grrrr......

Either way, welcome to West Ham Mr Valencia.