Jose Fonte departs for China after disappointing West Ham stint

Jose Fonte agreed to move to Dalian Yifang of the Chinese Super League on Friday following a forgettable 13 months with West Ham United.

The Portuguese defender joined the Hammers for around £8 million in January 2017, but only made 24 appearances for the club. Fonte was restricted to just eight league starts this season as he dealt with a foot injury.

The 34-year-old shifts to a side with a strong presence of Chinese players, but one that also calls upon the services of 17-time Zimbabwean international Nyasha Mushekwi, and Yannick Boli and Mate Males, who have one cap each for Ivory Coast and Croatia, respectively.

Fonte was with Southampton for seven years before leaving for West Ham, and won back-to-back promotions with the Saints in 2011 and 2012. His finest achievement came when he won Euro 2016 with his country, partnering with Pepe in a formidable backline.