West Ham United ‘delighted’ as goalkeeper agrees terms at London Stadium
Graham Potter is no stranger to handing young talent their breakthrough, and it has been no different at West Ham United since his arrival.
The emergence of Ollie Scarles as a regular member of the first team under the new boss has shown a clear pathway for those who are talented enough to reach the top.
With the Irons currently sitting 17 points clear of the relegation zone with only eight games remaining, Potter may be tempted to blood the next line of young talent.
West Ham announce new goalkeeper contract
As the end of the campaign edges closer and contract decisions are set to be made by Potter, West Ham have already sealed a new deal.
The Hammers announced via X (2 April) that youth player Lanre Awesu has signed his first professional contract at The London Stadium.
The 17-year-old has been in the ranks at West Ham since the Under-14 age group, and after signing his scholarship last summer, has impressed enough to take the step up.
This season, the goalkeeper has represented England at Under-17 level, having been involved in every international camp throughout the term.
With the Under-18 Hammers side, he reached started in every game apart from one in the route to the Premier League Cup final and as a result of his hard work, has also trained with the first-team.
Potter has work to do at West Ham
While youth matters may be resolving themselves, Potter will be looking ahead to the transfer window with the senior team with a headache.
Due to the amount of money spent by his predecessor last summer, the new boss was limited in the business he could do during the winter window meaning there is plenty to be done now.
Vladimir Coufal looks set to depart from the London Stadium after he admitted his frustration with the Irons for blocking a move to Fulham in January.
In the meantime, the Irons are struggling at the top end of the pitch due to injuries keeping Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug sidelined at different periods, while Evan Ferguson has struggled to get going in Claret and Blue.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Michail Antonio | 14 | 1 | 1 |
| Niclas Fullkrug | 10 | 2 | 1 |
| Evan Ferguson | 6 | 0 | 0 |
With that in mind, if Potter can start to bring some of the talented young players through the ranks in East London, it will surely put him in good stead as he looks to start a long-term project in East London.