Premier League side West Ham United have signed Ghana international Mohammed Kudus from Dutch club Ajax on a permanent deal.

“West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mohammed Kudus,” the club said in a statement on Sunday, as the Hammers said they fought off competitions from other clubs to land the 23-year-old forward.

“Hammers fought off intense competition from some of Europe’s leading clubs to secure the services of the exciting Ghana international attacker from Ajax,” the club added. Kudus seemed to be heading to Brighton earlier, but the transfer fell through.

According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the deal is worth €45 million in total and has a sell-on clause for Ajax on any future sale involving the player, who passed his medical on Saturday and subsequently signed a five-year contract.

“I’ve been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid,” Kudus told whufc.com. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment, and I’m so happy to be here. But it doesn’t stop here; I want to keep going.”

The West Ham new number 14 added, “I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that’s what football is all about. I’m just here to do my best and help the team. I’m really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can’t wait to get started.”