West Ham United Secures World Cup Winner Guido Rodriguez on a Free Transfer

West Ham United has announced the signing of Argentinian midfielder Guido Rodriguez. The World Cup and Copa America winner joins on a free transfer from Real Betis. The 30-year-old brings a wealth of experience and is eager to reunite with former teammate Edson Alvarez at the Premier League club.

Premier League club West Ham United has officially announced the acquisition of World Cup and two-time Copa America winner Guido Rodriguez. The Argentine midfielder joins on a free transfer following his exit from Spanish side Real Betis, where he spent four-and-a-half seasons before his contract expired in June.

The 30-year-old, with 30 caps for Argentina, began his professional journey at River Plate and went on to win the Mexican league and cup titles with Club America, playing alongside Edson Alvarez. In La Liga, he helped Real Betis clinch the Copa del Rey in 2022 under coach Manuel Pellegrini. Rodriguez expressed his excitement about the move, saying West Ham is the right club for him and he's eager to reunite with former teammate Alvarez.

"I'm very happy to be here. Playing in the Premier League is a dream for any footballer, and I'm thrilled that West Ham showed interest in me. This is a historic club with an intriguing project, and I believe it's the right place and time for me. I discussed the move with Edson [Alvarez], and we're both excited to work together again," Rodriguez said in a club statement. "I will bring experience and help the team in any way I can. The Premier League is physically demanding, but I'm ready for the challenge. To the fans, I promise to give everything—I'm highly motivated, and I believe we can achieve great things together. I can't wait to get started," he added.

West Ham's Technical Director, Tim Steidten, hailed Rodriguez's arrival as a significant milestone for the club. "Signing a player of Guido's caliber is a massive moment for West Ham United. I've long admired his qualities and the deal's completion is fantastic for us," Steidten stated.

"Guido is a defensive midfielder whose intelligence and skill in and out of possession are invaluable. His winning mentality—evident from his World Cup, Copa America, and Finalissima victories with Argentina—will be a key asset. Securing him is a bold statement of our ambitions," he added. Rodriguez becomes the ninth Argentine to join West Ham, following notable names like Lionel Scaloni, Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez, and Pablo Zabaleta. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)