Official: Four-time Belgian Cup winners Gent sign Super Eagles prospect

The former Belgian Pro League champions have beaten West Ham to the signing of the German-Nigerian defender

2015 Belgian Jupiler League winners KAA Gent have announced the signing of Jordan Torunarigha from Hertha Berlin SC on a permanent deal.

Premier League side West Ham were also reportedly interested in Torunarigha, but Gent has won the race to the former Germany under-21 international.

Torunarigha initially joined Gent on loan in January, featuring in 15 matches and helping the Buffalos win the Belgian Cup – the club's fourth in history.

And that successful spell has convinced Gent to cough out €4.5 million for the Nigeria Football Federation target to join permanently.

Speaking about the signing of Torunarigha, Gent's chief scout Samuel Cárdenas said: “Everyone at KAA Gent is delighted with Jordan's arrival. His qualities quickly became apparent. He met our expectations from the first game.

“Jordan has shown how well he fits into this team, both on and off the pitch. After some great moments with him last season, we look forward to many more!”

With the move, Torunarigha has ended his 16-year association with Hertha BSC, a club he joined as an eight-year-old. His father, Ojokolo Torunarigha, a former Shooting Stars of Ibadan star, coached the Berliners in the 1990s.

Torunarigha, 24, has inked a three-year deal that will keep him tied to the Ghelamco Arena until 2025.