Fulham sign striker Bryan Ruiz for 拢10.6m
- Published
Ruiz scored 35 goals in 61 starts for FC Twente
Fulham have signed forward Bryan Ruiz from FC Twente for a fee of around 拢10.6m despite a late rival bid from Newcastle United.
Newcastle had a 拢12m bid for the 26-year-old Costa Rica international accepted but failed to agree personal terms with Ruiz.
Ruiz instead signed a four-year contract with Fulham.
The Cottagers also signed striker Orlando Sa on a free transfer from Porto on a three-year deal.
Ruiz siad: "I chose to come to Fulham because it feels more personal than other clubs I have visited.
"I'm looking forward to meeting up with the whole squad when most of the players return from the international break and getting to work straight away with the team in preparation for some important fixtures.
"I'm really happy to be joining Fulham Football Club and playing under Martin Jol who is a manager I admire from his time managing in Holland for Ajax."
Ruiz begun his career with Alajuelense in Costa Rica, before joining Belgian side Gent in 2006 and then Twente three years later.
Fulham boss Martin Jol said: "Bryan Ruiz was always our intended target.
"He is a player who continues to attract interest from other top clubs so naturally I'm very happy, on this final day of the transfer window, that he has decided to join Fulham."
Sa spent last season on loan at Nacional, and has played for both the Portugal U21s and the senior side.
Portuguese international Sa said: "This is an enormous opportunity and wonderful challenge."
"I am keen to bring my qualities to Fulham and the Premier League."