West Ham United make Kelly call at London Stadium in January transfer announcement today
West Ham have announced that young midfielder Patrick Kelly has signed a new contract at London Stadium.
The 19-year-old has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal, as confirmed on the Irons’ official website on Thursday (11 January).
Kelly joined United from NIFL Premiership club Coleraine in 2022 and has featured in every Under-21s match so far this season.
“I am over the moon, to be honest, and delighted to continue my time at West Ham,” Kelly told the club’s website.
“My goal now is to break into the first team environment at West Ham and make my debut, whether that be in the league, the cup, or in a European competition.”
Aiming high
Kelly has yet to break into the first team, but that is now his next aim after landing a long-term – by today’s standards – contract at London Stadium.
The teenager has been a regular for the age-grade side and is also part of the Northern Ireland U21 set-up.
Kelly also already has experience of senior football, having played 23 times for Coleraine prior to joining the Hammers.
It may well be that a loan move is eyed up for the summer in order to get the Northern Irishman up to speed.
Going by David Moyes’ record – and this is not a swipe at the Scotsman – Kelly may be waiting a while for his chance in the first team.
At 19, he still has plenty of learning to do, but the early indications are positive and the club are clearly impressed by what they have seen.
Who knows? Kelly may well be the next big thing to emerge from West Ham’s famed academy.
In other West Ham news, a first-team regular’s injury is reportedly “worse than first feared”.