West Ham Signs £18.3 Million Striker Pablo Felipe, Inspired by Ronaldo

West Ham United has bolstered its attacking options by signing Brazilian striker Pablo Felipe for an initial fee of £18.3 million. This move aims to enhance the club’s efforts to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Felipe’s inclusion in the squad comes ahead of a crucial match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, marking a significant step in his career after a successful stint at Gil Vicente, where he scored 10 goals in 13 Primeira Liga appearances this season.

Felipe’s football lineage is noteworthy, as he is the son of Pena, a former striker for FC Porto. Pena had a remarkable career, notably finishing as the top scorer in the league during the 2000/01 season with 22 goals. This achievement came during a period when Porto was under the management of José Mourinho, although Pena was loaned out when the club clinched the Champions League title.

In his first interview following the transfer, Felipe expressed pride in his father’s accomplishments. “Yes, my father played for Porto, he was the league’s top scorer, he has a great history in football,” the 22-year-old stated. He also shared that Cristiano Ronaldo, a rival of Porto during his early career at Sporting CP, has greatly influenced him. “Cristiano Ronaldo is definitely an inspiration to me, because he is a great player, but also a great athlete with tremendous focus.”

Felipe’s father faced current West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo during the 2004/05 season when Pena scored for Marítimo against a Porto side that had Nuno as a backup goalkeeper. In discussing his new manager, Felipe conveyed admiration, stating, “Nuno is a great manager, a manager I have always looked up to. He has a very ambitious project, and that made me want to join West Ham.”

West Ham is also exploring further signings in January, particularly after the loan departure of striker Niclas Füllkrug to AC Milan. Reports suggest that Lazio’s Taty Castellanos is a primary target as the club faces pivotal fixtures against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, which could significantly impact their survival in the Premier League.

Ahead of the upcoming match against Wolves, Espirito Santo spoke about the team’s focus, stating, “Our job here at West Ham takes so much out of us that honestly, it seems like there’s nothing else around.” He emphasized the importance of preparing for a strong performance, aiming to secure valuable points in their battle against relegation.

As the new signing settles into the team, West Ham fans are hopeful that Felipe’s talent and pedigree will play a crucial role in lifting the club’s fortunes as they navigate the challenges of the Premier League.