The summer of 2025 should bring about pretty substantial changes at West Ham United.
But, amid reports linking West Ham United with countless highly-rated centre-forwards, with goalkeepers, right-backs and dynamic young midfielders, the Premier League outfit have actually completed one signing already.
West Ham snapped up highly-rated Northern Ireland starlet Joel Kerr at the end of March. A deal which captured the imagination across the sea.
“West Ham are gaining a fantastic young footballer,” said Paul Millar, Sporting Director at Glentoran.
“We have no doubt Joel will be a success within their highly respected youth system and we’ll be watching his progress with pride.”
A man of so many talents, Kerr is a prodigious Gaelic footballer too. The determination and wonderful close control he demonstrated when helping Tyrone win the Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football Championship a few days ago should be translatable into the more traditional brand of football, too even if he will have to remember to keep his hands by his side.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Northern Ireland starlet Joel Kerr opens up on West Ham United switch
Speaking to Irish News, the Northern Ireland Under-17 international opened up about his impending switch to West Ham for the first time, even if his focus remains firmly fixed on Tyrone’s upcoming All-Ireland series campaign.
“I’ll worry about West Ham when it comes to it. I’ll focus on this first,” Kerr begins before detailing the length of his contract at the London Stadium and when exactly he will make the trip across the sea.
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“I’ve signed a one-year scholar, two-year pro. So I’ll be there for three years. I want to take a good crack at it. I’ll be in London, I’m going at the start of July.”
Highly versatile, Joel Kerr has played in a multitude of positions in his young career, from left-back to number nine. More renowned for his ability on the wing, the teenager is renowned for his tenacity, his burst of acceleration and his technical qualities.
Attributes which have helped him stand out at such a young age in two different sports already.
“We are absolutely delighted for Joel and his family,” Andy Mathieson, Head of Player Development at Glentoran, said when the move was confirmed. “This is a fantastic opportunity for a young player who has shown exceptional dedication, maturity and talent throughout his time in the Glentoran Academy.
“He’s a natural footballer with real quality, but it’s his attitude and work ethic that truly set him apart.
“From an early age, Joel stood out as a real prospect. Someone with undoubted ability and the mindset to match. He’s worked incredibly hard on his game and always listened to the Academy staff. That blend of talent and mentality meant we always had high hopes for him.
“We’re excited to watch Joel continue his development at West Ham and we’ll be supporting him every step of the way.
“Joel’s move is another huge boost for our Academy and underlines our position as one of the leading youth development programmes in the country.
“Whether players break into the Glentoran first team or move across the water to professional clubs, our focus is to develop technically gifted, tactically intelligent and well-rounded young footballers who are ready for the next step on their football career.”
West Ham boss Graham Potter is expected to give George Earthy a chance in pre-season, while Ollie Scarles looks set to take over from Aaron Cresswell next term.
Joel Kerr is another heading on the path to prominence.