West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Senegal striker Demba Ba on a permanent contract until June 2014.
The highly-rated 25-year-old joins the Hammers from German Bundesliga side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, for whom he netted 40 in 103 appearances over the past three-and-a-half seasons. The transfer fee and terms of the deal are undisclosed but will be heavily dependent on appearances.
Ba, who scored nine goals in 20 matches during the opening half of the 2010/11 campaign, is determined to make his mark for his new club, having signed his contract on Friday morning before heading straight to Chadwell Heath to train. He will wear the No21 shirt.
"It was a long story but now I'm happy because it had a really good end and I am glad to be here," he told the newly-launched West Ham TV. "I'm going to give everything to West Ham United."
Ba becomes the third new recruit of this transfer window following Wayne Bridge and Gary O'Neil. The club are aiming to further strengthen the squad before Monday night's deadline - with all transfers to be confirmed first and fastest on whufc.com when official.
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The forward added: "I have made the move to West Ham and I'm very happy. I'm definitely excited to be playing in the Premier League."An imposing figure blessed with good pace, an impressive touch and an eye for goal, the Paris-born striker believes he will fit in well in east London.
"For myself, it is a bit difficult to describe myself, but when I'm on the pitch I just give everything for the team I am playing for and for the fans who support me.
"I like playing football. I like to be on the pitch playing good passes with the other guys and running with the ball, rather than playing in a direct style, so I should be able to fit in well at West Ham."
Ba's prolific goal-scoring form helped Hoffenheim climb from the German second division - Bundesliga 2 - to the top of the Bundesliga in just six months.
He has also been capped eight times at international level by Senegal, scoring twice.
For now, though, his thoughts are focused on helping West Ham to preserve their Barclays Premier League status and boosting the club's chances in the FA Cup.
"My aims for the rest of the season are to enjoy my football and give everything I have to give to make people happy.
"I'm really happy that the clubs have reached an agreement. I was eager to join the club and meet my new team-mates. I'd like to thank Hoffenheim for allowing me to join this team. I thank my family and all my fans for their support."