‘It was difficult’ – Nigerian forward signs for West Ham after Man United spell

Premier League side West Ham United have confirmed Nigerian-eligible forward Majid Balogun has signed his first professional contract with the club, Afrik-Foot reports.

This crucial step in Balogun’s development comes after he enjoyed an impressive rise through the academy ranks in East London.

The 18-year-old attacker joined the Hammers from Manchester United ahead of the 2024/25 campaign after spending two years in the Red Devils’ youth system. Since moving to Chadwell Heath, Balogun has developed into one of the club’s most exciting young attacking prospects.

Capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, the London-born forward made 45 appearances for West Ham’s Under-18 side across the last two seasons. He also helped the club lift the 2025 U18 Premier League Cup, adding three goals and two assists during his scholarship spell.

Balogun finished the season in strong form despite suffering a broken arm and later a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign. One of his standout moments came in a 5-2 victory over Norwich City, when he scored twice as West Ham’s youngsters closed the season with four wins from their final six matches.

Speaking after signing the contract, the Nigerian-eligible winger admitted the moment represented a major reward for years of sacrifice and hard work.

“It feels really good,” Balogun said. “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.”

Nigeria’s Balogun ready for next step with West Ham U21s

Balogun also reflected on the difficult choices he made earlier in his development while pursuing a professional football career away from home.

“It was difficult at first, but when you really love something, like I love football, you’re willing to make sacrifices for it,” he said.

West Ham Academy director Kenny Brown praised the youngster’s mentality and backed him to continue progressing after his promotion to the club’s Under-21 squad at Rush Green.

“Majid’s got a real appetite to learn. He’s very well-liked around the place, quite unassuming, but quietly confident in his own ability,” Brown said.

“He’s finished the season really strongly and we’re excited to see how he develops in the Under-21s environment. The move over to Rush Green is an important step because the levels increase and you’re working even closer to the first team every day, but we’re confident he’ll take it all in his stride.

“He’s had injuries this season, but none of it has fazed him. He’s applied himself brilliantly in his rehab, gets everything out of his work both on the pitch and in the classroom and has gone about everything with no fuss at all.

“He’s been an excellent scholar and now it’s about continuing that progression as a professional.”

Balogun is expected to begin preparations with West Ham’s Under-21 side in August as he looks to move closer to senior football and potentially attract attention from both Nigeria and England.