West Ham completes Toni Martinez coup from Valencia
West Ham United has completed the signing of promising teenager Toni Martinez from Valencia on a three-year contract.
The 18-year-old forward will officially be on the Hammers' books from July 1, but Valencia is allowing Martinez to train with the London club straight away in order to give him the best opportunity to settle into his new country.
Here's a first look at Toni... 💥 https://t.co/hRh882db0f
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) April 22, 2016
"For me, it's a great opportunity to be here and I hope to make the most of being at such a big club," Martinez told the club website.
"I joined West Ham because of the progress that the club is making. The decision to come here was made because it is a brilliant opportunity to join an interesting club in the Premier League."
Under Slaven Bilic, West Ham made great strides in the league - it's just five points short of winning a Champions League qualification berth - but was knocked out of the FA Cup at the last-eight stage earlier this month. Off the pitch things are looking particularly positive, with the Hammers preparing to leave the Boleyn Ground for the 60,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Stratford this summer.
"I am a striker and usually get compared to Fernando Torres," he continued. "I am a striker, but I also like getting back and playing as part of the team.
"The Premier League is well considered across the world and in Spain, we believe that it is one of the best leagues in the world. This is a fantastic opportunity and I am fulfilling a lifelong dream by signing for one of the big clubs in the Premier League."
West Ham next faces West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on April 30, with its last match at Upton Park coming against Manchester United on May 10.