Swedish winger Jiloan Hamad has signed for Hoffenheim after turning down interest from Premier League outfit West Ham.

The Bundesliga club announced that the former Malmo skipper will join up with the squad during the winter break.

The Hammers were amongst an array of clubs from around Europe who attempted to acquire the Swedish international, but Hamad stands by his decision to join the German side.

Hamad told Swedish website Fotbollskanalen.se “Everything felt right immediately.

"It was Hoffenheim who contacted us. They have scouted me thoroughly, and their coach and sporting director have got big confidence in me. That feels good.

"I have been negotiating with many clubs from Russia, Italy, France and England. West Ham and Sunderland were among them, but none of them felt as good as Hoffenheim when their sporting director came."

Aware of the challenge that comes with signing for a new club, Hamad is confident that he can break into his new side by the end of this campaign.

He continued "I will get the chance when I am ready. The target is to be a regular starter by the summer, if not earlier.

"I want to move on in my career, play for a better team where I get to play tougher and tougher matches at a higher pace."