West Ham have announced that U18s centre-back, Kaelan Casey has signed a new 4 year contract.

From joining the academy at five years old, to making his senior debut last season in the UEFA Europa Conference League tournament, Kaelan Casey has now extended his stay with the east London club until 2027.

Casey started all 6 matches in the memorable FA Youth Cup run, which saw the U18s lift the trophy at the Emirates last April, and is excited to sign his second contract with the club.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity this contract gives me at West Ham,” Casey explained. “It’s another step in the direction that I want to go in, but I have got to keep pushing on now. The Club is putting its trust in me, so I am putting my trust in the Club too. I’m hoping it leads to more chances with the first team and pushing on.

“I have been here since I was five. I was over the moon to get my first professional contract but this being a long-term contract really means a lot. It is what every boy dreams of. All I know is West Ham, so it was an easy decision.

“It was a special season last year – making my senior debut and winning the FA Youth Cup – but hopefully, I can get top it this season. I want to keep on pushing myself to the next step and that’s the first team and hopefully, that involves impressing in training and then getting game time too. It’s a different level but that’s what you want to do is challenge yourself and working hard and get there one day.”

The young defender looked promising last season, and he was involved in two first-team senior squads. Casey’s debut was the 3-0 victory against FCSB in the Europa Conference League. He was then on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur, in an exciting Premier League London derby.

Casey also featured eleven times for Kevin Keen’s U18 side, where he scored 3 goals and the team were U18 Premier League South champions. Alongside this he also featured 18 times in all competitions for the Under-21’s.

The 18-year-old found his fourth goal of the season with an excellent header in the FA Cup Youth Final win against Arsenal.

Casey becomes the third academy player to sign a new contract so far this season, with Kamarai Swyer and Freddie Potts also extending their contracts, as West Ham look to develop their youth talent.

Sporting Director Mark Noble spoke to whufc.com about the signing : “We’re thrilled to see Kaelan Casey sign a new contract with West Ham United.

“Kaelan first arrived at Chadwell Heath at the age of five, so it has been an incredible journey for him, one that has seen a senior debut, a memorable cup and title triumph with the U18s, and now a second contract with the Club across the last year.

“His hard work and dedication have got him this far and we are delighted that he is set to continue his footballing journey in east London.”

Academy Manager Kenny Brown also added: “We are delighted to have Kaelan commit his long-term future with us and for him to continue his development with West Ham United, his boyhood Club.

“Since joining the Academy at U9, Kaelan has grown in abundance as a player and as a person.

“With an exceptional trophy-winning season for the U18s last year, Kaelan has consistently displayed maturity and personal development on his footballing pathway, appearing regularly for the U21s, and debuting for the first team in the Europa Conference League.

“This again shows the commitment by the Club to retain and nurture our young players and provide a realistic pathway for them.”

Written by Katie Vine.