Jack Sullivan has confirmed that Enner Valencia has signed for West Ham United. Speaking on twitter the chairman’s 13 year old son said "Enner the “eagle” Valencia has signed for whu! After having a connecting flight to Madrid from Quito "
Maybe it is just as well the chairman’s son announced it officially as the West Ham press and media officer is over 11,000 miles away in New Zealand at the moment in a different time zone, as part of the advance team for West Ham’s Football United tour. The team together with manager Sam Allardyce and Joint David Gold are expected to fly out later tonight after some light training today.
Update:’ The official site WHUFC.com have caught up with young Jack and released a short statement after this post went live saying
“West Ham United are delighted to announce that exciting Ecuador international forward Enner Valencia will become the Club’s fifth summer signing, subject to a successful work permit hearing,Valencia, who impressed hugely in scoring three goals for his country at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, will join West Ham on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.’
According to the Daily Mail Valencia admitted he took advice from his international team-mate and Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia and that advice was crucial in his decision. Speaking to a Mexican radio station Valencia said:
’I’m happy to join a very good team, There were a few issues with some parts of the contract but all parties involved have now reached an agreement.Antonio Valencia has helped a lot in my decision. It is a good team and the people are very friendly.’
Valencia will still need a work permit as he does not automatically qualify but I understand the appeal hearing is likely to be scheduled when Sam Allardyce returns from New Zealand. Valencia has netted 18 times in 23 games for Pachuca last season and also scored all three of Ecuador’s goals at the World Cup finals in Brazil.
West Ham will lodge an appeal to gain clearance for his move under the “exceptional talent” criteria to a FA appointed six man appeal panel. Sam Allardyce and West Ham secretary Andy Pincher will In front of the panel made up of a representative of the Football Association, Premier League, Professional Footballers’ Association together with three independent footballing experts Assuming they recommend approval it will go the borders agency for the permit to be finalised which basically a rubber stamp exercise.
I understand West Ham will pay an initial fee of £9.5m but with extras and success the fee could rise to £14m.
UPDATE: Daily Mail article
UPDATE 2: Club website statement