OFFICIAL: Valencia sign Maxi Gomez from Celta Vigo on a five-year deal

Valencia have finalised the signing of Maxi Gomez from Celta Vigo on a five-year deal that will run until 2024.

The Uruguayan had been Marcelino's first-choice target this summer and Los Che granted their coach his wish by delivering the forward, having taken their time to negotiate with the Galicians.

There were differences and obstacles throughout the discussions, with Celta initially wanting Valencia to trigger his 50 million euro release clause.

West Ham then expressed their interest, putting 32.5 million euros on the table, before later hitting that 50 million euro mark, but Maxi himself wanted to stay put in Spain and was particularly attracted by the prospect of playing in the Champions League.

The forward signed for Celta for around four million euros two seasons ago, exploding into life with 18 goals in 39 games before bagging 13 goals in 36 matches in 2018/19.