West Ham sign Maiga from Sochaux
LONDON (AFP) - English Premier League new boys West Ham announced Wednesday they had signed Mali forward Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux on a long-term deal.
Maiga, who can play as a centre forward or on the wing, joined the Hammers for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal, with an option for a further two years at the east London club.
The 24-year-old, long linked with a move to English football, told West Ham's website: "I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United.
"I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing them.
"They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here.
"I know some of the big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Maiga was West Ham's fifth signing since they gained promotion by winning the second-tier Championship play-off final, following Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson to Upton Park.
Bamako-born Maiga stared his career with Stade Malien in his homeland aged 15, before moving on to Moroccan club Raja Casablanca in 2004.