West Ham plans for Kyle Healy-Matthews hit the skids as Premier League club pounce
West Ham United appeared to have big plans for Kyle Healy-Matthews, but he is now set to join Newcastle United.
Healy-Matthews is a highly though of right-back at Rush Green and has attracted interest from numerous clubs.
The 16-year-old has often played in age groups a lot older, which is always a sign of a player who is destined for big things.
That appeared the case for Healy-Matthews, who was part of West Ham's U17 Premier League Cup-winning side.
However, the youngster will not be continuing that journey into the Under-21s or indeed the senior side, having seemingly elected to move elsewhere.
It is a blow for the Hammers, who may now fear other talented gems moving on following the first team's recent Premier League relegation.
Newcastle United swoop for Kyle Healy-Matthews
Healy-Matthews has been a regular for the U18s side and has clearly been catching the eye of multiple other clubs.
As per NUFC Blog, it is Newcastle who have won the race to land the teenage defender.
It is reported that a deal has already been struck for Healy-Matthews to join as a first-year scholar at the Magpies.
Healy-Matthews is expected to be the first of many academy players brought in by Newcastle this summer.
West Ham academy set to be more important than ever
So often, as could be the case here, academy players leaving goes under the radar until they succeed at their new club.
A few years from now, West Ham fans may be reminded that they had Healy-Matthews on their books. Or not.
West Ham chiefs - those that remain, anyway - will not exactly lose sleep over the exit of one youngster.
But it becomes a problem when more and more depart for pastures new on their own accord.
If West Ham do not escape the Championship at the first time of asking, costs will have to be further cut.
That is where the academy becomes even more important as players need to progress through the system.
Hopefully this solitary case is not one West Ham live to rue.