Emerson Palmieri has bid the blues farewell after the completion of a deal worth £15 million with West Ham United on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
The Italian and former Chelsea left-back has signed a four-year contract with the Hammers which elapses by 2026 but with the hope of extending the contract with West Ham for one more season.
The 28-year-old joined Chelsea from AS Roma in 2018 on a four-and-half-year deal for a reported transfer fee of £29m. Since Emerson came to Stamford Bridge, he couldn’t establish himself as a regular for the Blues having spent much of his time on the bench, out on loan, or out of play due to injury.
Emerson only made 71 appearances in all competitions since joining Chelsea in 2018. He made his debut against Hull City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, assisting fellow January signing Olivier Giroud for his first Chelsea goal. The Blues came out with 4–0 winners at Stamford Bridge.
Despite his meager appearances for the Blues, the 28-year-old has collected the European Cup trifecta in Chelsea Blue, winning the Europa League (2019), Champions League (2021), and the Super Cup (2021).
Emerson also won 27 caps for Italy and featured in their win against England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, adding another European crown for the Italian national team.
The 28-year-old Brazilian-born expressed his delight upon arriving at his new club in his statement on West Ham’s Website, saying: “I’m very happy to be here and to arrive here. It’s a big challenge for me, it’s a big team, so I’m very happy to be here and I’m ready.
“Personally, since the first day I arrived here in England, I always saw the big clubs and I always watched the big games and I knew the history about West Ham”.
The former Blues left-back revealed his interest to be united with the Hammers and his enthusiasm as he can’t wait to make his debut for the club. He said: “The history is so big for this team and so when I knew about the interest for sure I said ‘Yes, let’s go, I want to go there’ and I’m here now! I can’t wait to get started in a West Ham shirt.”
West Ham manager David Moyes, in his statement, appraised the newcomer and said his experience will assist in building an impenetrable defense for the club and also bring more victories for the Hammers. Moyes said: “He is an experienced player with a good pedigree, who has enjoyed great success at both club and international level in recent years.
“He will give us strong competition in defensive areas and brings a winning mentality that we are looking to build here at West Ham.”
Emerson eventually favours a move to West Ham after snubbing the Hammers over unmet salary agreement. His last wage with Chelsea was £70,000 per week, so, he demanded for a £25,000-a-week pay-rise in order to swap Stamford Bridge for the London Stadium.
Does Emerson really worth £95,000 weekly payment at West Ham?
Well, speaking of his exceptional football qualities and versatility, I think he does!
Emerson Palmieri is a renown left-back player, who is known for his stamina, athleticism, physical qualities, and technique, which make him an effective offensive asset.
During his days with the Blues, Emerson is recognized for his distinctive ability to get past opponents and provide crosses into the penalty box. He’s a versatile player who can play as a wing-back or wide midfielder on the left flank. The Italian national footballer has, in several occasions been used in a more advanced role as an offensive winger.
With that in mind, Emerson may not be the best left-back but he’s definitely a good player with gifted qualities and these exceptional qualities made him West Ham’s favourite candidate for the left-back role.
His transfer deal from Chelsea has been finalized but Emerson’s new salary at West Ham United has not been disclosed. However, it’s expected to be not less than £90,000 weekly; an aggregate of £4,680,000 annual deal.
