West Ham United have completed the (re) signing of former Academy graduate Divine Mukasa.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who celebrates his 19th birthday this coming weekend has returned to the club where his "footballing journey" began at the age of five.
Mukasa spent a decade at West Ham before being persuaded to up sticks and move to Manchester three eyars ago this month, where he became the latest Hammer to join City's youth programme.
However having gained barely any game time for the first team at the Etihad - Mukasa has enjoyed just six appearances for the senior squad so far - he spent last season on loan with relegated Leicester City in the Championship.
With his first team options at the Etihad severely limited still, Mukasa was made available for loan again this season - at which point the Hammers came in to bringhome.
"“I’m so excited to be back,” said Mukasa, who will wear the number 14 shirt during his season back in east London. "Once I heard of the opportunity to come back, it was a no-brainer for me.
“I was born around here and have grown up in the Academy and spent nearly ten years there.
"With my style of play, I want to create, score goals and help the team win games. I'm just so excited to get in and try to help the club get back where they belong."
While West Ham were offered the chance to sign Mukasa on a permanent basis with a buy back option, the club opted instead to take the teenager on straight loan terms.
Director of Player Recruitment Nils Koppen, who led the project to re-sign Mukasa added: "We are very happy to welcome Divine back to West Ham United. Divine is one of the brightest young talents in English football, a creative, skilful player who will bring something different to our attacking options.
“He obviously knows West Ham well, having spent ten years in the Academy as a schoolboy and clearly has a deep affection for the club. That will help him to settle quickly and hopefully hit the ground running.
“With all of the factors involved, we believe that this is a perfect opportunity for Divine to continue his progress and development in the right environment. He can make a really positive impact in his time here."
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