West Ham chief speaks out as Brooks transfer agreement confirmed

West Ham are yet to truly make a splash in the transfer market.

The Hammers faithful are growing increasingly frustrated as the lack of business looks set to see Graham Potter’s side fall behind their rivals.

With the likes of Sunderland already completing a number of signings, the Irons are yet to add to their ranks, which performed in disappointing fashion last campaign.

That has now changed somewhat after the East London outfit swooped and have now announced a summer transfer from Rush Green.

West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugout
Credit: Imago

West Ham announce Connor Brooks signing

There is no doubt about how much work the first team needs in E20 after what was a terrible year of Premier League action.

Despite initial expectation at the London Stadium after a number of seemingly positive signings, that quickly fell away as the season went on.

As a result, the demand for young talent to get a chance in the first team only increased as academy stars were utilised many times by Potter.

This saw Ollie Scarles in particular make a positive Hammers impression, being joined by Lewis Orford in the squad for the claret and blue outfit.

Stat (Premier League 24/25)Ollie Scarles
Appearances14
Chances created1
Tackles won11
Ollie Scarles West Ham stats

With that in mind, the Irons have now attracted yet another young talent to the London Stadium with West Ham confirming the signing of Brooks on Wednesday (9 July).

The 17-year-old has completed a switch from Isthmian League North Division side Concord Rangers after impressing with his midfield versatility at such a young age.

It is clear that he caught the eye of academy manager Kenny Brown, who told the West Ham website, “We have watched Connor numerous times, and we are delighted to have signed him.

“He’s a high-energy midfield player who can manipulate the ball, tackle and can score goals, so he’s got all the attributes to succeed with us, and he adds to what we’ve already got in the group.

“There’s loads of potential with Connor, and we’re all excited to work with him. He’s now a professional footballer at West Ham United, and I know that won’t be lost on him, and he’ll give everything to fulfil his potential.”

Brooks to be hopeful of West Ham first-team chance

Despite coming through the ranks in non-league, there will be hope for the teenager to get his big break at the London Stadium.

Potter hasn’t been shy to blood young talent, and could be set to follow suit in the upcoming campaign with the likes of Freddie Potts after his loan spell at Portsmouth.

This is bound to be music to the ears of someone like Brooks, who won’t be moving to Rush Green to sit and watch other youngsters take their chance.

For now, the midfielder will link up with the academy side with the hope of breaking through, just as fellow new signing Daniel Cummings will.

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