West Ham complete signing of Brazilian Pablo | OneFootball

West Ham have moved swiftly to bolster their attacking options after completing the signing of Brazilian forward Pablo Felipe (22) from Gil Vicente, according to reports from BBC Sport.

The 22-year-old has joined the Hammers on a four-and-a-half-year contract in a deal reported to be worth around £21.8m, becoming the first addition of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure since he took charge in September. With West Ham short of goals and locked in a relegation battle, the club hope Felipe’s arrival can provide an immediate lift.

Born in Portugal and the son of former Porto and Braga striker Pena, Felipe has enjoyed a prolific start to the season in the Primeira Liga, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances. His form has marked him out as one of the division’s standout forwards and earned him a quick route to the Premier League, where he is expected to be available for Saturday’s trip to Wolves.

Felipe struck a defiant tone after completing the move, promising commitment and intensity in a West Ham shirt. “I will give my all for this club,” he said. “I want to prove my worth.”

West Ham sit 18th in the table, four points adrift of safety, and have struggled to convert chances in the opening months of the campaign. Espirito Santo has made no secret of the need for greater cutting edge, and Felipe’s signing underlines the club’s intent to address that weakness early in the January window.

Whether the young striker can translate his scoring touch to English football may prove decisive in West Ham’s fight for survival.

GFN | Finn Entwistle