West Ham youngster Majid Balogun has signed his first professional contract with the club this week.
Balogun joined the Hammers academy from Manchester United before the start of the 2024/25 season.
The winger has made 45 appearances for the under-18s in all competitions, winning the U18 Premier League Cup last year.
Balogun will join the under-21s next season, as he continues his development towards the first team at the London Stadium.
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Majid Balogun signs new deal at West Ham
Balogun has been described as a “powerful and direct forward” who can play on either wing or in the middle.
He contributed two goals and one assist from left midfield in his last two starts in the U18 Premier League campaign.
Balogun is excited to commit his future to West Ham, as he takes one step closer to making his first-team debut.
“It feels really good,” Balogun said to whufc.com. “I think every young player is working towards this moment, so it’s a big thing to achieve.
“But at the same time, you always want more. This is a really good platform to go on and achieve bigger things.”
Balogun’s biggest challenge with the under-21s next season could be staying fit for the majority of the year.
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The 18-year-old missed more than 10 league games in the 25/26 campaign with a broken arm and then a hamstring problem.
“I broke my arm earlier this season and then, after coming back, picked up a hamstring injury, so it’s been frustrating not being able to play consistently,” Balogun reflected.
“It’s been about finding a way to work back into the team and make a statement again.
“I feel like I finished the season strongly and that’s given me extra motivation going into next season with the Under-21s.
“The intensity steps up, the players are better, and you feel closer to the first-team environment.
“Seeing them training right next to you every day gives everyone even more motivation to push themselves.”
Balogun will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Ezra Mayers and Ollie Scarles by breaking into the senior squad.
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