West Ham United player set to leave club on July 1 finds new team already
Jacob Knightbridge has joined Oxford United after being released by West Ham United after 13 years with the club, announced via the club’s official website.
The 20-year-old will join the U’s once his contract at the London Stadium expires on 1 July after the Hammers decided not to renew his contract.
It is clear to see that the new Championship outfit are pleased to sign the goalkeeper, with manager Des Buckingham full of praise in an interview (12 June).
He said: “Jacob is a very promising young goalkeeper who we look forward to having at the club. We believe we can help take Jacob’s game to a new level.”
Jacob Knightbridge departs West Ham on free transfer
It is clear to see that the Hammers hierarchy maybe weren’t as pleased with Knightbridge’s progress as they might have been so a clean break suits both parties.
He joined the club when he was seven years old and featured throughout various academy sides ever since.
Knightbridge has also featured in various matchday squads for the senior team but has never made that step to make his professional debut for West Ham.
It has to be said that goalkeepers tend to hit their peak at a later age so at 20 years old, he does have plenty of room to grow.
West Ham clearly don’t think he will hit the heights and therefore he has been told to go elsewhere to realise his potential.
This may spark Tim Steidten into life with a new goalkeeper potentially needed in Julen Lopetegui’s squad ahead of the Premier League season.
A move for Knightbridge appears to suit all parties even if it is a sadness to lose a player who has spent so long in the academy set-up.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui to break transfer curse with Youssef En-Nesyri deal.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.