Why West Ham have questions to answer as academy best list published

West Ham United have a long tradition of bringing young talents into their first team.

Some major players have come through the academy at Rush Green and gone on to have excellent careers.

The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Declan Rice are just some examples.

Since the departure of the latter, there hasn't been truly a starlet to come in and follow in the England international's footsteps.

The Hammers need that as it has always been a big thing for supporters.

West Ham fans won't be happy to learn that multiple top talents have actually moved on and are now catching the eye elsewhere.

Xavier Parker named best talent at Manchester City

The world of academy football is certainly becoming increasingly unclear.

Plenty of youngsters are moving between clubs, with the biggest clubs in England able to pick and choose who they want.

The Irons have fallen victim to that as much as anyone.

That is now becoming clear with The Guardian publishing their 2026 edition of the "20 best talents at Premier League clubs".

Their "Next Generation" feature looks at every team in the top flight, with Xavier Parker named as the best scholar at Manchester City.

The 2010-born talent moved to the Etihad in 2024 and has certainly gone on to impress.

The report in the above article suggests he will shortly commit his future to the Citizens with a long-term deal.

That is just one example of failure in the West Ham academy, and it doesn't stop there.

Kyran Thompson also features on Premier League best list

The Hammers had a player on their books that could go on to be the future of Man City.

Losing him is a failure, regardless of their status as a club.

The same can be said for Kyran Thompson, who is now featuring for his second side since leaving West Ham.

The 2009-born winger joined Arsenal in 2024 and now plies his trade for Newcastle United.

He is the inclusion on The Guardian's list for the latter having put pen to paper on a five-year contract on his 17th birthday.

That sums up the confidence in his abilities to become a true star at St James' Park.

It is just another name that has moved on from Rush Green and looks set to succeed elsewhere.

There is a need for change in claret and blue as there is so much wrong with these starlets moving on like this.