West Ham United has signed their third promising youngster of the season today. Armstrong Oko-Flex comes from the Celtic, and here’s what we know so far.
The left-winged forward comes out of the Scottish Premier League with high marks. At just 19-years-old, Armstrong Oko-Flex has already made two runs out with the senior club at Celtic. Although traditionally working from the left, he is adapting to a more central attacking role.
The club announced today that he had penned a two-year deal with the Hammers, taking him out until 2023. The native of Ireland turned his trial spell with The Academy into a full-time contract, and Academy Manager Ricky Martin had high praises for the young ROI international.
"“Armstrong is someone that we’ve been tracking and monitoring for several months now. He’s someone that we’re really excited to sign to the Club and include as part of our U23s squad going forward. Alongside Thierry Nevers and Pierre Ekwah, he completes the hat-trick of signings that we’ve made this summer.”"
This deal adds excitement to both parties in this deal, as Oko-Flex was looking for a new home as his current contract had expired, and West Ham is clearly looking to grow The Academy. Between Armstrong, Nevers, and Ekwah, it’s clear they mean business as Moyes is looking to project his vision into the future.
West Ham sign Armstrong Oko-Flex; here’s what we know so far
Oko-Flex moved over to the SPL in 2018 from the Arsenal U18s. Since his move, he has played four times with the senior squad. The aforementioned two times in the SPL and twice in Celtics Cup competitions (scoring once). He is young and untested, but his roots run deep in the realm of Scottish football.
Born in Dublin, the forward began his football career with his local, national academy at St. Kevin’s Boys club before moving to London at the age of 11 to join the Gunners after the recommendation of one Liam Brady. The teenager is quick and sharp upfront, will surely make a solid run with the U23s if not edging his way into the first team.
Although this move isn’t an exciting first-team addition, West Ham fans have to be excited at the prospect of the club’s future. The Academy is back, and moving forward with who they have, can only make them better. Everyone at the GSH happily welcomes Armstrong to east London and hope for the very best for him and his career in Claret and Blue.