Alex Song to West Ham: Latest Loan Transfer Details, Reaction and More

West Ham United have secured the services of Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on a season-long loan for the second campaign in succession.

The club's joint-chairman, David Gold, confirmed on Tuesday that Song has once again made the temporary switch to east London after spending 2014-15 on loan with the Hammers:

The Cameroon international moved to the Camp Nou from Arsenal in 2012, but he swiftly found a place in the starting XI difficult to come by, rejuvenating his career upon making the temporary move to West Ham.

Spanish newspaper Sport reported in early July the Hammers intended to re-sign the engine-room anchor on a long-term deal—but only if Barca would allow him to leave the La Liga outfit for free:

Song made just 39 league appearances during his two seasons in Catalonia, but he emerged as an integral part of the West Ham squad last season, featuring 28 times in the Premier League, 25 of which were starts, per WhoScored.com.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez suggested Slaven Bilic's side may be doing the Blaugrana a favour by taking Song off of their hands:

The 27-year-old was evidently keen to extend his stay at Upton Park after pictures emerged of Song working out in West Ham's new training shorts earlier this summer, per his Instagram account (via the MailOnline's Sean Gallagher).

According to WhoScored.com, Song average 3.3 tackles per Premier League appearance during the 2014-15 campaign—more than any other West Ham player.