West Ham United have completed the signing of Ryan Fredericks from Fulham on a free transfer as the 25-year-old becomes new gaffer Manuel Pellegrini’s first summer signing. The youngster has signed a four-year deal and should slot straight into West Ham's starting XI.
The right-back, who impressed with Fulham during their promotion campaign, will move across London for the new campaign as he swaps Craven Cottage for the London Stadium. Slavisa Jokanovic relied heavily on the full-back last season as he made 48 appearances for the Cottagers during the 2017/18 campaign.
The London club had hoped to keep him but his contract expired this summer, but he had a whole host of potential suitors given his good performances last season. The lure of more money and bigger crowds proved too much for Fulham to keep hold of their man.
The pacey defender who is defensively solid whilst providing a massive attacking threat, caused controversy in Fulham’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday as he appeared to stamp on Jack Grealish. He escaped without punishment as Fulham went on to win the game thanks to a Tom Cairney first-half goal.
West Ham are looking for full-backs for next season as Patrice Evra was released whilst Pablo Zabaleta is reaching the end of his prestigious career. Fredericks will mark an important signing for Pellegrini who replaced David Moyes at the club this summer.
The Premier League winner and former Real Madrid manager has been seen as a coup for West Ham, who were battling relegation for a large portion of last season. West Ham fans will be hoping he can pull a few more signing off like this one.
On a free transfer and approaching his prime, this should be an excellent signing for the Hammers.
