• Premier League

Hammers snap up 'wildcard' Wellington on loan

ESPN staff
January 11, 2013
Wellington Paulista speaks at a press conference © Getty Images
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West Ham have completed the signing of Wellington Paulista on loan from from Cruzeiro for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent transfer.

Wellington, 29, becomes Sam Allardyce's fourth signing of the January transfer window following the acquisitions of Joe Cole, Sean Maguire and Marouane Chamakh.

The Brazilian forward has already agreed a three-year contract with the Hammers should his loan spell at the club prove to be a success. He can play as a striker or in a wide role.

"I think I can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better,'' Wellington told the club's official website. "I am strong, I am a fighter and I can score with both feet. I run a lot on the pitch and I can play as either as first or second striker.

"The pressure will not be a problem for me because I am used to it from my time in Brazil, where the fans were really addicted to the club. The manager also put pressure on the players too, so it will be the same playing here.''

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan labelled the signing of Wellington as a 'wildcard' but is confident he will get among the goals.

"I'd like to welcome Wellington Paulista to East London and West Ham United,'' Sullivan said. "He is another exciting player to add to our squad and although he may not be that well known on these shores, he comes with an excellent track record in Brazil.

"His arrival is similar to some of the other 'wildcard' players we have signed before like in Demba Ba and Ilan. They both made significant contributions and if he can match their efforts he will be an excellent acquisition for West Ham United.''

Wellington scored 29 goals in 54 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A games for Cruzeiro. He has played in Europe before, spending the 2006-07 season on loan at Spanish club Alaves.

He holds a European passport and will therefore not require a work permit.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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