Newcastle United announce player arrival following West Ham United exit
Newcastle United have signed promising young winger Ezra Tika-Lemba on a full-time scholarship following his exit from West Ham United.
Announcing the news on their official website on Friday (July 12), the Magpies said that Tika-Lemba is one of three new academy arrivals.
Tika-Lemba failed to make the grade at West Ham, but will now look to take the next step in his career in the North-East.
Newcastle Academy Director Steve Harper said: “Moving from school into a full-time programme isn’t easy but it’s a scholarship packed with education, life skills, psychology, strength and conditioning as well as a comprehensive football programme.”
West Ham lose promising Ezra Tika-Lemba
While losing young talent like Tika-Lemba to Newcastle is disappointing, it’s something all clubs face.
The Hammers recently signed Arsenal youth captain Luis Brown and Manchester City’s David Chigwada. Big names like John Terry once trained at West Ham before moving on, but the club also benefited by bringing in talents like Declan Rice from rivals.
Tika-Lemba’s future at Newcastle is uncertain, but West Ham’s academy continues to bring in promising players to make up for any losses. In the end, the ebb and flow of young talent is just part of football.
Given his young age, supporters will not know for another few years yet whether he is going to be a major hit. Should that happen, there will no doubt be some saying they knew the club should have done more to keep him.
Ultimately, youngsters come and go – it is just the one per cent who eventually break through. For now, let’s wish Tika-Lemba all the best on his new journey.
In other West Ham news, behind-the-scenes talks between Julen Lopetegui and Danny Ings have been mooted after an update on his club exit emerged.
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