(Football news) West Ham United have confirmed the signing of former Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet on a five-year deal. The 25-year-old, who can play on both wings as well double up at the wing-back or full-back position. He arrives at the London Stadium after West Ham triggered the £17.5m release clause in his Burnley contract which became active after the Clarets' relegation to the Championship.
Cornet's contract contains an option to extend his stay by a further year, and the Ivorian will wear the number 14 shirt, he also expressed his delight at signing for the Hammers. Cornet became a priority signing for West Ham after Filip Kostic, who was another left-sided player that West Ham had targeted as indicated he was reluctant to join from Eintracht Frankfurt. Cornet signed for Burnley from Lyon last August and went on to score nine goals and set up another in the Premier League last season. West Ham had their offer accepted by Lille for Onana and are due to discuss personal terms with the Belgium international but Everton have also met Lille’s asking price for the 20-year-old for an initial €35m plus €5m in add-ons and the indications are that Onana would favour a move to Goodison Park.
Everton’s manager Frank Lampard is also keen to sign two midfielders and the club have held talks over re-signing Idrissa Gana Gueye from Paris Saint-Germain. Maxwell Cornet turned 25-year-old recently as he arrived at Turf Moor from Lyon last August for £12.85 million. He was Burnley's top scorer last season with nine goals in 28 appearances but couldn’t save the Clarets from relegation in the Premier League. Cornet before Burnley spent seven and a half seasons at Lyon, playing 252 games and scoring 51 goals for the Ligue 1 club. He can play multiple position as Moyes might use him as a utility player.
“It’s a new step for me to join this big Club and I’m really happy to be here, to be part of the project for the club. I’m just excited to start,” Cornet said. “Everyone knows the level here in the Premier League is very high and I want to play here for that, so I'm really happy to be here for the next stage in my career. It will be amazing to play in front of 62,500 fans at London Stadium. I played here for Burnley last season and I can’t wait to experience it as a West Ham player.”
West Ham manager David Moyes, who has already signed Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola and Flynn Downes this summer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Maxwel to West Ham United. He is a versatile player with good experience, both in the Premier League and in European football, and will add strength and quality to our squad. He made a big impact with his performances for Burnley last season and he has impressed me with his desire to improve and challenge himself further here at West Ham. We look forward to bringing Maxwel into the group and wish him all the best in his career with us.”
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