West Ham United is pleased to confirm that Craig Dawson will complete a permanent transfer from EFL Championship club Watford at the end of the 2020/21 season.
The centre-back has made a fantastic impact since joining the Hammers on loan in October 2020, helping David Moyes’ side mount a sustained challenge for the top six positions.
An experienced, committed and respected Premier League defender, the 30-year-old will remain at London Stadium until summer 2023 and is looking forward to continuing his career in Claret and Blue.
The squad has a real togetherness, team spirit and great quality
Craig Dawson
“Coming to West Ham has been a great move for myself, and it is a privilege to play for a Club with such rooted traditions,” said the No.15.
“The squad has a real togetherness, team spirit and great quality. I’m excited for what my future at the Club may hold and the potential for what we as a Club can go on to achieve.”
An experienced top-flight player, Dawson had played 182 Premier League matches for West Bromwich Albion and Watford before joining the Hammers on loan last October.
After waiting patiently for his chance, he was called into action at Southampton in late December, keeping a clean sheet and earning the Man of the Match award, and has not looked back since.
Manager David Moyes said: “Craig's performances, attitude and the impact he’s had demonstrate why he deserves a permanent deal. He arrived with a wealth of Premier League experience and that's been really important to us.
"He had to be patient but he’s comes in and grabbed his opportunity with both hands. We are always looking to improve the squad and Craig joining us permanently certainly does that.”
In his 15 Premier League starts, West Ham have won nine, lost just three and kept six clean sheets to maintain their challenge for a top-four finish.
After scoring a late winner in the Emirates FA Cup third-round victory at Stockport County in January, Dawson found the net again in a 3-2 Premier League wins over Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
Despite playing just half of the Hammers’ league matches, the Rochdale-born defender ranks in the top five in clearances and aerial battles, and his commitment to the cause has been there for all to see.
With eight games to play, the Irons are fourth in the table ahead of Sunday’s visit of Leicester City to London Stadium.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Craig the best for the remainder of his career in Claret and Blue.
