WEYMOUTH have completed the signing of Cameroon under-23 international winger Pierre Fonkeu on a permanent deal.
Fonkeu, who last played for Bulgarian first division side PFC Beroe Stara Zagora, signed for the Terras on Tuesday.
However, Weymouth had to wait for clearance from the Bulgarian FA before unveiling their new recruit.
Belgium-born Fonkeu is a former Lens, Club Brugge and Norwich City wide man and had initially turned down the Terras to seek football abroad.
Fonkeu was close to joining League Two side Grimsby Town shortly before boss Ian Holloway left in late 2020.
After finally getting his man, Weymouth boss Brian Stock was effusive in his acclaim for the wing wizard.
He said: “I believe we’ve signed a hell of a player. He’s going to give us blistering pace – he’s very, very quick.
“He’s strong and either out wide or up front will offer another dimension to the way we want to attack.”
Stock added: “Sometimes people look at us and the league table and think: ‘What am I letting myself in for?’
“I’ve revisited Pierre because I know what he can offer to the team.
“First and foremost he’s got to work his way into the team. He’ll bring a lot of talent and explosiveness which is something we can do with.
“My message to the players is that you’ve got to fight to keep the shirt.
“With the players we’ve got on the bench, not even travelling or in the stands, and with Pierre coming in, there’s definitely competition for places, which gives me a headache.
“But it’s brilliant for raising standards.”
On Fonkeu’s pedigree, Stock said: “We’ve signed him permanently. He was at Lens on quite a big contract and he’s played for Cameroon.
“Things didn’t work out at Grimsby due to complications and then Ian Holloway (resigned). He’ll definitely feel like he’s got a point to prove.
“I feel we’ve recruited very well so far. With the league stopping below it restricts us getting players out for game time.
“At this moment in time, there’s no-one leaving the club.”
