West Ham have completed the signing of Switzerland international midfielder Edmilson Fernandes, the club officially announced on Thursday evening.
The 20-year-old joins from FC Sion after completing a medical and agreeing a £5.5m deal. Edmilson is the younger cousin of former Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes and made 26 appearances in the Swiss Super League last season, featuring in the Europa League group stage against Liverpool.
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic had confirmed his desire to sign another midfielder before the close of the transfer window, despite already addingHavard Nordtveit, Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore.
OFFICIAL: West Ham have signed midfielder Edmilson Fernandes from FC Sion for £5.5million. pic.twitter.com/8ZjXzrClq8
Bilic also spoke openly about potentially adding another attacking player to his ranks in the next week, with the club linked with Manchester City forward Wilfried Bony and Juventus striker Zaza, who is reportedly set to sign for the East London side for around £25m.
"In terms of signings, if something good quality-wise comes up, we are going to act.
"We were linked with [Zaza] last year and he is a top player. We were in contact with him last year and will see what happens.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admits interest in Wilfried Bony and Simone Zaza. Full story: https://t.co/HzHJUdAtiD pic.twitter.com/ydwC6s5Nfc
"We will not sign someone because we have to act now. The longest injury is Ayew Andre and we expect him to be fit in December.
"The other players should be back very soon. We have to be optimistic and we cannot moan about it. We will try to do something.
"[Bony] is also an option because he plays in the position we are looking for. I leave negotiations to the chairman and [head of recruitment] Tony Henry."
Zaza is getting closer to West Ham. Agreement between clubs; talks with his agent for the contract. #WHUFC