West Ham confirm Fonte’s departure to China

 

West Ham have confirmed Jose Fonte has joined Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.

 

Fonte only signed for West Ham from Southampton in January 2017 but has endured a nightmare spell with the Hammers.

 

The 34-year-old defender has not played since suffering a serious foot injury in October, although was named as a substitute in West Ham’s last three matches.

 

Dalian Yifang are looking to bolster their squad after earning promotion to the Chinese Super League last season and are also closing in on a shock deal for Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco.

 

West Ham confirm Fonte’s departure to China

 

Ma Lin’s side have reportedly agreed to pay just shy of £5m for Fonte, who is expected to sign a three-year deal with the club.

 

Since January 2017, West Ham have a better win ratio in the Premier League without Fonte starting (31.8%) compared to when he has started (25%).