Since the last two weeks, West Ham were involved in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Carlos Soler. Although the clubs couldn't reach an agreement on the transfer fee regarding a permanent transfer, Soler has joined the Hammers on a season long loan move from the French Champions. The 27-year-old is a massive upgrade on James Ward Prowse, who joined Nottingham Forest on loan, in terms of passing and creating goal scoring chances from the build up play.
Soler joined Paris Saint-Germain from Valencia two years ago, after becoming one of the best all around box-to-box midfielders in the La Liga. However, with the French Champions having young midfield talents like Warren Zaire Emery, Vitinha and Joao Neves, Soler wanted to join a new team in this transfer window to get more playing time this season. Several clubs like Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid were interested in signing Soler, but he joined West Ham on a season long loan on the final day of the transfer window.
Carlos Soler reveals the reason why he joined West Ham
Now, while speaking to the club's official website, Soler has revealed the reason for joining the Hammers, saying,
"I’ve spoken with Pablo Fornals, and he has told me that this Club is one of the biggest in the Premier League, so let’s have a big season. He is an idol here and spent four-and-a-half seasons at West Ham. Hopefully, I can repeat his success."Carlos Soler
Therefore, former West Ham star Pablo Fornals played a huge role in convincing his compatriot to join the Hammers. Fornals has been one of the best signings for West Ham in the last five years, as he made 203 appearances for the club scoring 23 goals and providing 18 assists. Although Fornals struggled under David Moyes's defensive tactical setup last season, he was a key player for West Ham and won the UEFA Conference League 2023 as well.
Soler also said that he wants to become a Hammers legend, and thus would aim to perform well this season as Julen Lopetegui's side are trying to find a winning momentum after facing two defeats in their first three matches in the Premier League.