Demba Ba has completed his move to West Ham United.
The Hoffenheim striker has joined the Irons on a permanent contract - and not on loan until the end of the season, as initially expected.The club have confirmed that whilst the fee remains undisclosed, Ba's contract is 'heavily dependent on appearances' made.
25-year-old Ba had appeared set to move to Stoke earlier in the month when the Potters agreed a £7.1million deal with Hoffenheim. However the move fell through after the player failed a medical as a result of a long-standing knee problem.
That was the second time in just over a year that the Senegalese international has failed a fitness test, following another aborted move to Stuttgart in 2009. However he enjoyed a full season of football - a run of some 21 games - before the transfer window opened.
Ba - who is also thought to have been monitored by both Sunderland and Everton - is said to have undergone a stringent three-day medical with the Hammers in order to assess the extent of the injury.
Ba, as posted on Twitter by new chaperone Carlton Cole
"It was a long story but now I'm happy because it had a really good end and I am glad to be here," Ba told whufc.com this morning. "I'm going to give everything to West Ham United.
"I'm really happy that the clubs have reached an agreement. I was eager to join the club and meet my new team-mates. I'd like to thank Hoffenheim for allowing me to join this team. I thank my family and all my fans for their support.
"I have made the move and I'm very happy. I'm definitely excited to be playing in the Premier League. I like playing football. I like to be on the pitch playing good passes with the other guys and running with the ball, rather than playing in a direct style, so I should be able to fit in well at West Ham.
"My aims for the rest of the season are to enjoy my football and give everything I have to give to make people happy. When I'm on the pitch I give everything for the team I am playing for and for the fans who support me."
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
