Premier League strugglers Wigan signed exciting young forward Victor Moses from Crystal Palace for a reported fee of £2.5 million (US$4 million) on the last day of the mid-season transfer window yesterday.
Moses, who was born in Nigeria but has played for England Under-19s, signed a three-and-a-half year contract at the DW Stadium following a sale triggered by Palace’s move into administration last week.
The 19-year-old, described as a “special talent” by Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, had also been a target for Championship leaders Newcastle.
“To play in the Premier League is a dream and I want to thank Roberto Martinez and Wigan for giving me the chance to do that,” Moses said.
“I’m sad to leave Palace because they’re a great club and gave me my chance in football and I want to say thanks to everyone there. But I need to prove myself now at Wigan and I’m going to focus on getting in the team and doing well for my new club,” he said.
The move is the latest chapter in what has been an extraordinary life story for Moses, who came to England as an 11-year-old asylum seeker following the murder of his father, a Christian minister, and mother, during an outbreak of sectarian violence in his home city of Kaduna, northern Nigeria.
Martinez said: “Victor has been a big hit for Crystal Palace, and now he has the chance to grow and mature in the Premier League.”
“He is a real player in the making, and he now needs to show the right character and dedication to match his undoubted talent and I think he can make a terrific impact at Wigan Athletic over the coming months and years,” the Spaniard said.
Fulham were also busy yesterday, completing the signing of Italy Under-21 striker Stefano Okaka on loan from Roma until the end of the season after allowing Senegal forward Diomansy Kamara to move to Celtic in a similar deal.
Okaka’s move appeared to be in doubt two weeks ago when he picked up an injury but Fulham manager Roy Hodgson stepped up his pursuit of the striker after Andy Johnson and Clint Dempsey both suffered minor knocks in recent weeks.
Fulham also have Bobby Zamora, Erik Nevland and inexperienced Swede David Elm as options in attack.
Okaka, 20, who was born in Italy to Nigerian parents, believes the move to England will develop him as a player.
“I hope I can return stronger than before,” he said. “The loan deal expires in June but there is the option to remain there for a further year. We shall see.”
The forward could go straight into Fulham’s squad for today’s league match with bottom side Portsmouth.
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