West Ham have confirmed the signing of 17 year old striker Josh Landers from Scottish side Hibernian. Landers will be joining Mark Robson’s Under 21 side.

Having impressed in his two week trial last month, the Club opted to make the young forwards move a permanent one. Speaking to the Club’s Official website after his move to West Ham was announced, Landers expressed his pride in signing a contract with the Hammers and spoke about how the move is a dream come true.

“Every footballer dreams of playing in the Premier League, and while this is just the first step, it’s a surreal moment for me. Coming from a small town with a couple of thousand people to signing for a Premier League club in London is really special.” said the 17 year old.

Landers is a hard working striker, with good hold up play and is intelligent with his runs into wide areas. A natural goalscorer, the 17 year old scored consistently throughout various age groups having joined Hibernian’s Academy as a ten year old. Well accustomed to playing in higher age groups, Landers made his debut for Hibs’ U18s at just 14 years old going on to feature in the UEFA Youth League at 15.

The striker signed his first professional contract with the Scottish side in the summer of 2023 and made his senior debut for the club later that year. Landers was supposed to join the Hammers on trial last summer, however this was pushed back after Landers broke his arm during a game for Hibs’ U18s.

Academy manager Kenny Brown was happy the Club could get Landers signed having had an eye on him for several months: “Josh had been monitored for the past six months and we are delighted to have eventually signed him. He is a modern day striker who can receive the ball with his back to play but also run in behind.” said Brown.

The Club’s academy manager went on to add: “We are all looking forward to working with Josh in his transition into West Ham United and to support with his development both on and off the pitch.”