Official: West Ham confirm signing of Balogun from Manchester United on scholarship deal

Through a statement on their official website, Premier League side West Ham United have announced the intake of new academy scholars ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The Hammers have confirmed that Majid Balogun has joined the club from Manchester United, after putting pen to paper on a two-year scholarship contract.

As per Premier League rules, all players in their U17 year must start the 2024-2025 season on a scholarship agreement before they are permitted to sign a first professional football contract on or after their 17th birthday.

Balogun and two other players confirmed to be eligible for the Golden Eaglets, in the shape of goalkeeper Olanrewaju Awesu and talented central midfielder Chinaza Nwosu, are among the nine new scholars.

After failing to make his competitive debut for the U18s in the final year of his schoolboy contract at Manchester United, Balogun will now continue his development at West Ham United. 

Giving the lowdown on Balogun, West Ham academy manager Kenny Brown described him as an exciting, quick wide player who can also score his fair share of goals.

The forward is a product of grassroots club Lambeth Tigers and was on the books of Manchester United for two years prior to his release at the end of the 2023-2024 season. 

Balogun will be hoping to emulate the footsteps of Academy graduates Armstrong Okoflex, Mipo Odubeko, Manny Omoyinmi and Ajibola Alese who rose through the youth team ranks to make their senior debuts for West Ham.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: whufc.com

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com