West Ham United’s first signing of the summer transfer window might not be the marquee, headline-grabbing deal many fans were hoping for, but the arrival of Daniel Cummings from Celtic could yet prove to be a pretty inspired piece of business.
Still only 19, and a prolific goalscorer for The Hoops at reserve level, Brendan Rodgers was not happy when he learned that Daniel Cummings had decided to leave Celtic for West Ham.
It is no secret that the Scottish Premiership champions had hoped to retain one of their most exciting academy talents of recent years.
Celtic offered Cummings a contract extension but, after he opted to swap his boyhood club for a fresh start south of Hadrian’s Wall, The Hoops will have only a £250,000 compensation fee to offset their frustrations.
West Ham United’s Sporting director Mark Noble, meanwhile, has already fallen head over heels for a striker with 38 goals in 58 Celtic B-team appearances.
Mark Noble explains why West Ham United signed Daniel Cummings from Celtic
Speaking to the club’s official website, captain-turned-director Noble spoke warmly about the attributes Cummings will bring to the London Stadium. Attributes he will presumably hope to hone with Mark Robson’s Under-21 side alongside perhaps a few first-team outings under Graham Potter.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Daniel to the Club,” Noble explains. “We have been watching his progress for the last year now. He has stood out in Scotland for a few seasons and has already gained a lot of experience.
“He is a young, talented player, and the sort of player I love. He works hard, he’s aggressive and he has a big presence.
“We knew he was a talent, and we really believe in him. We hope he can come here and show everyone what he’s got because he’s got a great pedigree for it.”
Cummings was spotted at the London Stadium for the first time back in May, visiting his new home alongside his parents.
Noble, meanwhile, sees no reason why the teenager cannot force his way into Potter’s plans sooner rather than later.
He cites the example of Ollie Scarles as proof of what can be achieved with the right mentality and plenty of self-confidence.
Noble backs Scotland Under-19 star to emulate Ollie Scarles under Graham Potter
Fellow 19-year-old Scarles picked up the Young Hammer of the Year award while ending 2024/25 with 15 Premier League appearances to his name.
“He’s made a big move from his family up north in Scotland to come down here and try and make a success of himself.” Noble adds. “We’re delighted he’s here.
“Now, it’s over to him to make the step up and prove to everyone that he’s good enough to play in the Head Coach’s team.
“If you come in and apply yourself right and do things properly, with the first team being so close to the Under-21s, anything can happen. You’ve seen that with Ollie Scarles and the other boys who have played in the first team recently.
“I know Daniel is very excited about this opportunity and we are just as excited to see his progress.”
As things stand, Niclas Fullkrug is the only senior centre-forward at Potter’s disposal.
Michail Antonio’s contract expired on Tuesday, while both Danny Ings and Evan Ferguson have also departed.
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