Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Thu 19 March 2026 7:40, UK

He might have been overshadowed by Josh Landers, but Preston Fearon proved he really is a future West Ham United superstar after shining for the Under-21s.

The 18-year-old didn’t deserve to find himself on the losing side as the young Irons suffered a bruising penalty shootout defeat in the National League Cup final on Tuesday night.

Goals from Lewis Orford and Landers looked to have put them in the driving seat, but opponents Boreham Wood rallied back to take the pulsating showdown to spot-kicks.

Nuno Espirito Santo desperately needs flair and creativity in West Ham’s Premier League survival bid, and Fearon looks like he can provide both – now and in the years to come.

How did Preston Fearon play in the final?

Fearon delivered a near-faultless performance, and it was nothing short of a travesty that he did not register at least one goal contribution, having carved out numerous chances.

Two golden opportunities he put on a plate were squandered inside the first three minutes, and his all-round display caught the eye.

Simply, he plays like a footballer far beyond his years.

Both his in-game intelligence and cool composure were on display, and he also demonstrated his penchant for line-breaking passes time and again.

Nuno may be tempted to hand Landers a first-team spot before Fearon, the forward having produced a sublime finish for the Irons’ second goal, but the latter should be there too.

Sporting director Mark Noble previously described the midfielder as a “fantastic young player”, believing he is destined to make his first-team bow sooner rather than later.

What is clear is that Fearon shouldn’t be made to wait much longer. He is too good for youth football and therefore finds himself stuck in a no-man’s land, which suits no one.

Does Fearon have a future at West Ham?

Indeed, there are no easy answers as far as the teenager is concerned.

Mohamadou Kante is set to benefit from Tomas Soucek’s likely departure at the end of the campaign, having made nine appearances for the club since joining from Paris FC.

That would free up a fringe spot in the senior group, which Fearon will surely inherit, but even that will not guarantee minutes for a player who needs to continue his development.

The sensible solution, then, would appear to be a loan switch, which would allow him to hone his qualities. Should he prove himself, Nuno would be unable to ignore him.