Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Wed 25 March 2026 19:10, UK

Joel Kerr has signed his first professional contract with West Ham United.

The Northern Irishman has committed his future to the London Stadium club, after joining from Glentoran in the summer of 2025.

The 17-year-old has notched eight goals and five assists for the Hammers’ youth teams in 21 appearances, which is an encouraging start to his academy career.

West Ham have taken serious developments when it comes to youth players recently, with a new deal for Josh Ajala and the signings of Daniel Cummings and Jack Tomlin, from Celtic and Arsenal.

What do West Ham fans need to know about Joel Kerr?

Kerr was highly rated in his home country when he joined West Ham, his former club released a statement saying he was “one of the most exciting young talents to emerge” in the country when they announced the move.

They said that there were other clubs chasing his signature, but did not reveal the identities of those suitors.

He is a left-footed winger who can also play as a number 10 or a striker, and his electric pace and power saw him captain Glentoran’s Under-14 side to a National League title and the Under-16s to a NIFL Academy League Championship.

The 17-year-old was also a Gaelic footballer before he joined the Irons, and has 16 caps for Northern Ireland’s Under-17s side, with three goals.

He has now been promoted to the Under-19s for his country, and featured off the substitutes bench in the 1-0 loss to Ukraine on 25 March.

How has he developed at West Ham?

His development has continued brilliantly with the East London side, with a decent amount of goals and assists in the academy ranks.

He was promoted to the Under-21s in January, making his debut in the Premier League International Cup defeat to Borussia Dortmund II.

If he continues the way that he has done, it will only be a matter of time before he makes his first team debut for the E20 outfit.

What did Kerr say as deal agreed?

Kerr admitted that he was very happy to commit his future to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Speaking to the club’s official website on 24 March, he said: “It’s a really proud moment for me and my family.

“It’s obviously something I’ve wanted to do and have been working towards for a while now, so it’s great to see that dream become a reality and sign professional.”

He confirmed that he is not thinking too far into the future, though, saying: “My last 12 months have been really good.

“Hopefully that’s something I can keep building on to make sure the next 12 months are even better.”