West Ham’s Rising Star Commits With Professional Contract

West Ham have tied down promising youngster, Jamal Baptiste, after offering him his first professional contract with the club.

Jamal Baptiste has committed his future to the club today by signing his first professional contract on his 17th birthday. The contract Baptiste has signed will keep him at West Ham for the next two-and-a-half years, with its expiry in 2023.

The academy graduate has earned the deal after impressing in the youth sides over the last year.  Last season Baptiste became the under 23s second youngest representative ever, before making nine more appearances for the side.

This progression saw Baptiste called into the first team for pre-season. Despite his young age, Baptiste impressed in the Hammers 5-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers, playing the full ninety minutes for the first team.

The level of quality the defender has shown has seen him keep his place in the under 23s, having made nine more appearances for the side this season. Baptiste has also been a regular for England in their youth sides and has now been called up the under 18s this season.

Having been a member at the club since he was only eight years old, Baptiste has spoken of how pleased he is with his new contract.

"“I’m over the moon, I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time, and the day has come. “I joined West Ham at eight and I’ve had a really good time since. The big thing I’ve learned is just to always work hard, no matter whether I’m doing well or not doing well, and always to speak to the coaches and players around me to help my career.Baptiste on his new contract."

The youngster could start to make an impression in the first team soon as the early rounds of the FA Cup are only round the corner. Though David Moyes will want to integrate Baptiste into the side slowly, so he can judge his adaption to the highest level of the game.

The Hammers have had some recent success with youth players coming through the ranks. Grady Diangana fetched a reasonable price when he was sold to West Brom. Harrison Ashby, Emmanuel Longelo and Aji Alese have all impressed when given chances this season.

Of course, the major academy success in recent times is Declan Rice. The English international is now the captain on the pitch and one of the best players at the club. If Baptiste can follow in the footsteps of Rice, then West Ham will have another big talent on their hands.