Cottagers boss Martin Jol had been desperate to bolster his weakened strike-force before Wednesday's 11pm deadline after his side's struggle for goals in their opening three Premier League matches of the campaign.And, after snapping up 23-year-old Portuguese striker Orlando Sa on a free transfer, Jol managed to get his main target Ruiz on board despite several other clubs vying for his signature.
Newcastle, Benfica, Valencia and Villarreal were all interested, but the 26-year-old agreed a four-year contract at Craven Cottage before the window closed."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 told the club's official website."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."
Source: DSG
