Quite the nickname to live up to
West Ham today confirmed the signing of Fabian Balbuena, a Paraguayan central defender from Corinthians. He has joined on a three year contract.
Welcome to West Ham United, @FBalbuenito! #TheGeneralIsHere pic.twitter.com/0muyVNmIuj
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 14, 2018
The 26-year-old has earned himself the nickname ‘The General’ during his time in Brazil, presumably due to his ability to command a defence. Balbuena also has a signature celebration. Yes, you guess it: a salute.
He arrives as West Ham’s seventh signing of the summer under new boss Manuel Pellegrini, who has already secured the signings of Issa Diop, Lukasz Fabianski, Ryan Fredericks, Sebastian Nebyla, Jack Wilshere and Andriy Yarmolenko.
Balbuena arrives as a replacement for José Fonte, who left the London Stadium in favour of a move to China back in January.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website, he said: “I’m really excited for this new challenge and my target is to meet the demands of the Premier League.Obviously to be at West Ham is an extra motivation, and I want to do my best to help the team.”
