West Ham academy product Jamal Baptiste has today signed his first professional at London Stadium, keeping him at the club until 2023, as confirmed by the club’s official website.
The 17-year-old central defender is highly-regarded at the club and travelled to Scotland as part of the first team squad for David Moyes’ pre-season training camp earlier this year.
On signing his contract, Baptiste told the club: “I joined West Ham at eight and I’ve had a really good time since. The big thing I’ve learned is just to always work hard, no matter whether I’m doing well or not doing well, and always to speak to the coaches and players around me to help my career.”
Baptiste has made six appearances for the Irons in Premier League 2 this season as well as two EFL Trophy outings against senior opposition, playing 90 minutes in victories on both occasions.
Plenty of Hammers fans have welcomed the significant news for the teenage talent:
Twitter: @WestHam @JamalBaptiste_ What a straight up young man. Well done and best of luck!
(@Abs_Singh_1)
Twitter: @WestHam @JamalBaptiste_ What a talent
(@Sammy_dodgerx)
Twitter: @WestHam @JamalBaptiste_ Well pleased with this can’t wait to see what academy players will breakthrough next (@mike_deas)
Twitter: @WestHam @JamalBaptiste_ Oh that is great news really pleased for this young lad. Congratulations Jamal keep ground… https://t.co/hleIM7346q (@IronessWest)
Twitter: @WestHam @JamalBaptiste_ Congratulations Jamal can’t wait to see you play COYIS
(@SandieBarrick)
Twitter: @WestHam @JamalBaptiste_ “All I know and all I want”. Terrific attitude young man! Hope you go far for us. (@stevensheppar12)
