West Ham announce new striker signing as terms agreed. Graham Potter’s arrival at West Ham will certainly have made supporters feel more optimistic about what the future has to hold.
Although results are still a mixed bag, the Hammers have shown some promising signs under their new boss that things can get better. Furthermore, there is a feeling that a project is underway at The London Stadium with David Sullivan backing the new boss in his role.
West Ham announce striker arrival
The idea of there being a project happening in East London stems from the fact that Potter is seemingly opting for forward planning.
Furthermore, the boss is well known for the work he is able to do with young players, forming them into starting members of the side.
The Hammers have continued to recruit in their academy set up and Josh Landers is the latest name to come through the door, signing from Hibernian.
The 17-year-old initially impressed those at West Ham back in the summer but breaking his arm just ahead of his trial pushed back any opportunity to impress until January where another trial period took place.
However, terms have now been agreed and the youngster is excited to get the deal finally done as he told West Ham (9 February): “It’s an amazing feeling to sign for such a massive club. Every footballer dreams of playing in the Premier League, and while this is just the first step, it’s a surreal moment for me.
“Coming from a small town with just a couple of thousand people to signing for a Premier League club in London is really special.”
Graham Potter to utilise the West Ham academy
Naturally, the West Ham boss will have his immediate sights set on how his side can improve their fate at the end of this Premier League campaign.
However, as part of a wider project going forward, it would not be surprising to see the manager create close links with the academy set up in East London to ensure he is ready to bring through the right players when he needs them.
The Irons have been struggling at the top end of the pitch this term and with Michail Antonio, Niclas Fullkrug out injured and Jarrod Bowen having only recently returned, 20-year-old Evan Ferguson was signed on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
Therefore, this should serve as motivation for Landers who knows this is an area where his new club need to improve and the manager is not afraid to use the young talent if they are able to do the job he needs.
Although his appearances have been limited, the striker has run out for Hibernian a handful of times and being in that professional environment will have served his development well before entering an academy with excellent facilities.
There is certainly the motivation to succeed in the Hammers academy with the possibilities there to progress if those at the top are impressed.
