Pellegrini completes first signing as West Ham boss
West Ham United have confirmed that Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks has completed his move across London, becoming Manuel Pellegrini's first signing at the club.
Fredericks will officially join the 'Hammers' on July 1 after penning a four-year deal with the club, ending his three-year spell at Fulham.
The defender enjoyed his best season with the 'Cottagers', helping them secure promotion to the Premier League and earning a place in the Championship's Team of the Year.
Speaking about his move, Fredericks told West Ham's website: "It's amazing for this deal to finally happen. I know we’ve been speaking about it for a while and trying to get things in place and finally, we’ve got it over the line. I’m just buzzing to be here.
"West Ham United is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Everyone knows the history of West Ham and there’s a lot of factors that brought me to the club.
"Obviously, it’s an exciting time for West Ham. The club have just brought in a new manager in Manuel Pellegrini and everyone knows his CV and what he has done in England before and in other leagues as well. I’m sure I can learn a lot from him.
"It just felt like, for the next step of my career, I would be best suited coming here".
Manuel Pellegrini also offered his thoughts on Fredericks, who becomes his first signing as 'Hammers' boss.
He said: "I am very pleased to welcome Ryan to West Ham United as our first signing this summer. He joins having had a successful season with Fulham and is a player who will bring great qualities to our squad.
“He has good experience, with more than 150 senior appearances already but, at 25, he is still a young player with his best years ahead of him.
“Ryan has good character, is hungry to succeed, and has shown me that he has great desire to be a West Ham United player. I look forward to working with him.”