Official: West Ham sign Abdoulaye Faye on free transfer from Stoke City

Abdoulaye Faye – Stoke City, (Getty Images)

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West Ham have announced the signing of Senegal international Abdoulaye Faye on a free transfer from Stoke City.

Faye was expected to move on this summer after failing to nail-down a first-team place this past season, making just 14 appearances in the league.

This year’s tally of 14 appearances is the lowest of Faye’s career in English football, with the second lowest being 23 in the 2007-08 season.

Faye arrived in England from Lens to join Bolton in 2005, and West Ham will represent the fourth club he has played for in the country.

Via the club’s official twitter account, West Ham confirmed the news: “West Ham United are pleased to confirm the signing of Stoke City defender Abdoulaye Faye on a free transfer.

“He will join the club on 1 July.”

Faye is the first of many expected signings this summer with new manager Sam Allardyce hoping to get the club back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the defender said: “I am very happy to be here at West Ham – this is a great club, a big club and I cannot wait to get started here.

“For me to come here was no problem, I had other clubs offers, but I was happy to come here.

“People may ask why as the team are in the Championship, but I am excited at the challenge to help get the team back to the Premier League, where I think the club belongs.

“The club also has a great fan base and I am looking forward to playing for them and giving my all on the pitch.”

The 34-times capped Senegal international also expressed how pleased he was to be working with Allardyce again following stints together at the Reebok Stadium with Bolton and with Newcastle.

He added: “Sam is a very good manager and I am very pleased to be playing for him again – he gave me a chance here in England and he is someone who gives you confidence.

“He is also someone who I know the players will respect and I think he will bring a lot to the club – the fans will see this also.

“I can’t wait now to get playing for the club, for Sam and for the fans and do my best for everyone.”

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