West Ham United have confirmed that first-team midfielder Edimilson Fernandes has joined Serie A side Fiorentina on a season-long loan.
As reported on the club’s official website, the Switzerland international will spend the entirety of the 2018/19 season with La Viola after two seasons at the London Stadium.
Fernandes, 22, has made 48 appearances for the Hammers in that time, with his game time last season limited by persistent injury problems, scoring one goal and registering one assist for the club.
OPINION
Fernandes has always been seen as a player likely to leave the London Stadium this summer following the arrival of new boss Manuel Pellegrini. The Swiss midfielder is quite obviously a talented player, and is well-liked among supporters, but the likelihood of him remaining at the club this term was always low. Fernandes has struggled to get up to the pace of the Premier League despite being in England for two full seasons now, and a move to the more tactical Serie A should suit him down to the ground. Fiorentina finished in eighth last season and he will be looking help the Florence-based club build on that result in the coming season. Some fans will no doubt be sad to see Fernandes go, while others will be glad to see the back of him after a disappointing spell at the club so far. Hopefully for the Hammers the 22-year-old finds some form in the north of Italy and manages to come back to the club a better player, and one able to contribute in the Premier League.
