### West Ham United Announce Signing of Guido Rodriguez
West Ham United have announced the signing of Argentina international Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer. The 30-year-old defensive midfielder joins the London Stadium after leaving La Liga’s Real Betis, where he spent four-and-a-half seasons before his contract expired in June.
Rodriguez brings extensive experience at the highest level, having won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina, the most recent of which came earlier this summer. He has been capped 30 times by his country. Rodriguez began his career with River Plate and won Mexican league and cup titles with Club America, where he played alongside new West Ham teammate Edson Alvarez. He then made 173 appearances for Real Betis and won the Spanish Copa del Rey with Manuel Pellegrini’s side in 2022.
The Saenz Pena-born midfielder was linked with a move to Barcelona earlier this summer but has instead become Julen Lopetegui’s sixth signing of the transfer window, following Luis Guilherme, Max Kilman, Wes Foderingham, Crysencio Summerville, and Niclas Fullkrug, who was unveiled as a new Hammers player on Monday.
### Rodriguez Fulfilling “Dream” by Joining West Ham
“I’m very happy to be here,” Rodriguez told West Ham’s official website. “I feel like it’s every footballer’s dream to play in the Premier League, and I was very excited when I heard that West Ham were interested in me.
“It’s a historic club with a really interesting project. I think it’s the right club for me at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing. I spoke to Edson [Alvarez] before signing, and we’re both really looking forward to working together again.
“I will help the team in any way I can. I will bring experience to the team, and though I’m aware the Premier League is very physical, I’m ready to put the work in to make sure I’m up to the task.
“What I can say to the fans is that I will give them everything. I’m very motivated, and I think together with the supporters we can achieve many good things. I just can’t wait to get going now!”
### Steidten: ‘Rodriguez Signing a Massive Moment for West Ham’
West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten added: “This is a massive moment for West Ham United in bringing a player of Guido’s pedigree to the club. He is a player I have admired for a long time, and we couldn’t be happier to have completed the deal to bring him to east London.
“Guido is a defensive midfielder whose intelligence in and out of possession is a real strength to his game. He is also a proven winner, having won the World Cup, Copa America, and Finalissima with Argentina, so securing his services is a big statement of intent by the club.
“We feel it is important to strike a balance between youth and experience across the squad, and adding a player with the experience and leadership qualities of Guido will be a real asset to the club moving forward.
“It’s a busy period in this transfer window, and the Board are continuing to show they’re backing us to bring quality players to West Ham United.”
Rodriguez will soon become the ninth Argentine to represent West Ham, following Mauricio Taricco, current national team manager Lionel Scaloni, Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez, Mauro Zarate, Manuel Lanzini, Jonathan Calleri, and Pablo Zabaleta.
The midfielder will soon join his new West Ham teammates and hopes to make his debut in the Hammers’ opening Premier League game of the new season at home against Aston Villa on August 17.
