West Ham sign Toni Martinez: Valencia striker to join Slaven Bilic's side this summer
West Ham have announced today the signing of 18-year-old Toni Martinez from Valencia CF.
The youngster caught the eye of the Hammers after scoring over 100 times in the past four seasons for Valencia.
A three year contract will begin on 1 July 2016 but Valencia have allowed the striker to begin training with the London club as he becomes accustomed to his new surroundings and team mates.
The new Hammer star was part of the Spain U19 squad who recently won the 2015 UEFA European Championship title and announced his gratitude for West Ham signing him.
BREAKING: West Ham to sign forward Toni Martinez from @valenciacf ➡️ https://t.co/OPtXvCEDbn #ToniIsAHammer pic.twitter.com/Ej3d610q88
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) April 22, 2016
Speaking to the club’s website, Martinez said: “For me, it’s a great opportunity to be here and I hope to make the most of being at such a big club.
He added: “I joined West Ham because of the progress that the club is making. The decision to come here was made because it is a brilliant opportunity to join an interesting club in the Premier League.”
Martinez will originally join the Development Squad, but the hot prospect has long-term ambitions of forcing his way into the first-team – especially with the Hammers moving to the Olympic Stadium as of next season.
“The prospect of playing in front of 60,000 people really catches my attention,” said Martinez.
He concluded by adding: “I am hoping to be able to get the opportunity to do that and I hope that it will be soon.”
ArticleNew West Ham signing Toni Martinez relishing chance at 'big club'Barclays Premier LeagueWest Ham United FCValencia CfToni Martinez