Declan Rice signs professional contract with West Ham

Highly-rated defender Declan Rice has signed his first professional contract with West Ham.

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Rice progressed through the ranks into the Development Squad last season and was one of the Academy’s star performers, helping the under-21 side to win the U21 Premier League Cup.

The 17-year-old put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal. Upon signing his new deal, Rice told the Club’s official website he is delighted to be a part of West Ham’s future and hopes to emulate the success of fellow academy graduate Reece Oxford.

“It is an amazing feeling to sign a three-year deal with West Ham and it is exciting to be part of the Club as we move into the new Stadium,” Rice said.

I have gone from a scholarship to signing a professional contract and it has all happened within the space of six months as I was playing so well.

“With the players that West Ham are now attracting, it is amazing to train with the first-team and hopefully I can be a part of it next season.

I am so happy that Reece and Josh Cullen have broken into the first-team. Hopefully I can follow in their footsteps and impress Slaven Bilic during the pre-season.

“Slaven and his backroom staff give so much advice to the younger players and help them out a great deal and I love the chance to train with the first-team.”