Maxwel Cornet predicts ‘amazing’ West Ham experience after completing transfer, as David Moyes elaborates on impressive traits

Maxwel Cornet has spoken of his excitement after being unveiled as a West Ham United player following a transfer from Burnley.

West Ham won the race for Cornet ahead of other suitors like Everton and Newcastle on Thursday, when they reportedly activated his release clause. After completing his medical on Friday, the versatile winger has now been announced as a West Ham player.

He has signed a five-year contract at the London Stadium. Beyond then, his new employers will have the option of tying him down to a further 12 months.

Cornet will wear the number 14 shirt for West Ham, whose Premier League opener will be against champions Manchester City on Sunday. However, it is believed Cornet’s transfer did not go through in time for him to be eligible for that match.

There should be plenty of appearances ahead for him to look forward to, though. And the Ivory Coast international is excited at the prospect of playing for West Ham.

He told the club’s official website: “It’s a new step for me to join this big club and I’m really happy to be here, to be part of the project for the club. I’m just excited to start.

“Everyone knows the level here in the Premier League is very high and I want to play here for that. So I’m really happy to be here for the next stage in my career.

“It will be amazing to play in front of 62,500 fans at London Stadium. I played here for Burnley last season and I can’t wait to experience it as a West Ham player.”

Cornet has left Burnley after just one season, during which he scored nine Premier League goals. Among the existing West Ham squad, only Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio scored more in last season’s competition.

Cornet will not just be a goal threat for West Ham, though. He will likely get some gametime as a wing-back on the left-hand side, competing with Aaron Cresswell.

Moyes impressed by Maxwel Cornet

Manager David Moyes will be excited about the options now at his disposal. After confirming Cornet’s presence but not going into too much detail at his press conference on Friday, Moyes has been able to open up more.

The head coach exclaimed: “We are delighted to welcome Maxwel to West Ham United. He is a versatile player with good experience, both in the Premier League and in European football, and will add strength and quality to our squad.

“He made a big impact with his performances for Burnley last season and he has impressed me with his desire to improve and challenge himself further here at West Ham.

“We look forward to bringing Maxwel into the group and wish him all the best in his career with us.”

West Ham are the fourth club of Cornet’s career after Metz, Lyon and Burnley.

The 25-year-old has become West Ham’s fourth new arrival of the summer after Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes and Gianluca Scamacca. They also completed a permanent deal for last season’s on-loan goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

Moyes will be overseeing another European campaign in 2022-23. The addition of Cornet adds to the anticipation for what is to come.