West Ham beat Newcastle to sign Okoflex, two-year deal agreed
West Ham are set to announce the signing of young forward Armstrong Okoflex after he agreed a two-year deal with the club, according to AllNigeriaSoccer.
The Nigerian news outlet reports that Okoflex, 19, put pen to paper on a contract at West Ham on Monday, which includes the option for an extra year.
It is understood the Irons “pulled off a transfer coup” to sign Okoflex as they beat Newcastle United and Crystal Palace to signing the ex-Arsenal youngster, who was released by Celtic at the end of last month.
AllNigeriaSoccer claims the Ireland youth international, who’s also eligible for Nigeria, wanted to quit Celtic as they’re in a transitional period and was worried about his first-team opportunities there.
Fresh blood
While Okoflex is leaving Celtic due to a potential lack of game-time in the first-team, it’s hard to see him being able to break into David Moyes’ squad at the London Stadium.
While he might get the odd cup appearance or get to sit on the bench for some matches, he’s quite inexperienced and a loan move could suit the Irish teenager if he arrives in East London.
Okoflex joined Celtic after a spell at Arsenal in 2019.
He made just two senior appearances for the Bhoys and both of those were in the second half of last season amid COVID-related issues at Celtic Park.
However, this is a young player who’s been trained by top youth coaches at Arsenal and Celtic and now he’s going to get the chance to impress the staff at West Ham too.
There’s clearly a talent here for the Irons to unlock but we feel as though Okoflex could do with a loan spell away at an EFL club to really help with his development.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have made a loan bid for this international striker.
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