Credit: Imago/West Ham on X

Daniel Davis

Thu 26 March 2026 16:40, UK

West Ham United have secured an ideal loan move for academy gem Josh Landers.

Landers has joined National League promotion hopefuls Boreham Wood on a deal until the end of the campaign, and will hope to secure them a spot in the Football League.

The club are currently fourth in the table and already all but guaranteed a spot in the play-offs, meaning the 19-year-old will be thrust straight into the thick of the action.

The forward has scored nine goals in 30 appearances for the Irons’ Under-21s this season and gained a reputation as one of the brightest talents in the ‘Academy of Football’.

West Ham will closely monitor Landers’ loan with a view to promoting him to the first-team.

Josh Landers perfect fit for Boreham Wood

Free-scoring Landers is already knocking on the door of Nuno Espirito Santo’s senior squad, and it is hoped that his loan move will act as the crucial next step in his development.

Fittingly, one of his goals this season came against Boreham Wood in the National League Cup final earlier this month, when the young Hammers went down on penalties.

It was a brilliant finish, coming after he latched onto Finlay Herrick’s long goal kick and slotted into the back of the net, and clearly, his new club sat up and took notice.

While it has not been confirmed whether his goal at the Mangata Developments Stadium convinced them to bring him in, it certainly wouldn’t have done his chances any harm.

The ace could now make his debut against Truro City on Saturday, and West Ham will likely keep across developments as they weigh up refreshing their frontline this summer.

On paper, Boreham Wood are an ideal fit for him. They have scored the second-most goals in the National League (82) and have impressed with their front-foot style of play.

Nuno could have been tempted to call Landers into his squad after his cup final heroics, but he has patiently bided his time. Now, he must grasp his opportunity with both hands.

What are Landers’ first-team chances next season?

The teenager will fancy his chances up against the Irons’ present senior options at No 9.

Taty Castellanos, Pablo and Callum Wilson are all vying for the shirt, but it weighs heavily. Indeed, the club are relying on them in their bid to avoid dropping into the Championship.

While Pablo has failed to make an immediate impact at the London Stadium, Castellanos and Wilson have fared slightly better, albeit not to the extent that Landers won’t get a look in.

Playing youth carries an inherent risk, but West Ham have an outstanding track record at trusting and blooding their own. They would do well to do the same with Landers.