West Ham United confirm signing of Real Betis midfielder | OneFootball

West Ham United have confirmed the signing of former Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez on a free, after his contract expired this summer. The 30-year-old World Cup-winner leaves Seville after four-and-a-half years.

Rodriguez’s future has been up in the air for months after negotiations with Betis broke down, and he was on the verge of joining Barcelona towards the end of May. However Xavi Hernandez’s exit put paid to his chances of ending up there.

“It’s a historic Club, that has a really interesting project. I think it’s the right Club for me, at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing. I spoke to Edson [Alvarez] before signing, and we’re both really looking forward to working together again,” he told the West Ham website.

Rodriguez played 173 times for Betis and scored nine times, while also giving four assists. The Argentinian enforcer was also a key part of Manuel Pellegrini’s side throughout their run of qualifying for Europe in every full season he has been in charge, as well as their Copa del Rey victory.

Positionally very switched on, Rodriguez will provide a platform for other midfielders to do their work further forward, while also adding steel and grit. As a former Sevilla coach, Julen Lopetegui will be more than aware of his talents.