West Ham have completed the signing of Edvin Austbo, as reported by BBC Sport, following their pursuit of the Norwegian star.
Austbo has been one of the finest attackers in the Eliteserien in recent seasons while shining for Viking. He also helped the club qualify for the Champions League league phase this season, making his departure a significant development for the Norwegian side.
Viking would have loved to keep him so he could represent them in the competition, but West Ham had been pushing to sign him for weeks, making the transfer increasingly likely. Although Austbo was not pushing to force a move, he believed the club would agree to a deal that was in his best interests, and his patience has now paid off.
West Ham are targeting an immediate return to the Premier League and have been signing players they believe can help them achieve that objective this season.
Austbo joins West Ham
Several players have left their squad, while the club have also added new stars, with Austbo now the latest arrival ahead of an important season in the Championship.
His move represents another addition to a squad aiming to secure promotion back to the Premier League. Austbo will now have the opportunity to continue his development in England after establishing himself as an important attacking player for Viking.
The Norwegian has also experienced success with Viking, helping them secure qualification for the Champions League league phase. That achievement made his departure more difficult for the club, but West Ham were determined to complete the deal.
Norwegian pleased with move
Austbo has also revealed that discussions with members of the West Ham hierarchy helped convince him that the move was right for his career.
He said after the move was completed: “The talks I had with Nuno (Espirito Santo, head coach) and Nils Koppen (director of player recruitment) were amazing and I just felt from the start that this was a good match and that I really wanted to come here”.
The Norwegian will now look to settle into his new surroundings and contribute to West Ham’s promotion push. The club will hope his attacking qualities can help them achieve their objective of returning to the Premier League.