Former Celtic striker Daniel Cummings has been dealt an early blow in his West Ham career after undergoing shoulder surgery, ruling him out of the Hammers’ Premier League opener against Sunderland.
The 19-year-old left the Hoops earlier this summer after opting to pursue first-team opportunities down south.
Daniel Cummings
A number of English clubs, including Sunderland, had shown interest in the highly-rated forward, but it was West Ham who secured his signature in early July. Since then, Cummings had been hoping to catch the eye of new manager Graham Potter during pre-season.
However, those plans have been disrupted after the youngster suffered a shoulder injury during training, which has now required surgery.
Confirming the news on Instagram, Cummings posted a photo of himself in a sling along with the caption: “Shoulder op done. Gutted to miss the start of the season. Back Stronger.”
Cummings was seen as one of the most promising talents coming through Celtic’s youth system, known for his clever movement, clinical edge, and ability to link play. His departure was a disappointment for many inside the club, with hopes he might eventually make the step up to the first team at Lennoxtown.
Instead, the striker chose a new path, leaving Glasgow to fast-track his senior career in England. It now looks like he’ll need to wait a bit longer before making his competitive debut in claret and blue.
Early signs suggest he’ll miss several weeks of action, starting with West Ham’s clash against Sunderland, a team that had hoped to bring him in before he opted for the London side.
2YCJ33M Caravaggio, Italy. 23rd Oct, 2024. Daniel Cummings of Celtic during the UEFA Youth League match at Stadio Comunale di Caravaggio, Caravaggio. Picture credit should read: Jonathan Moscrop/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News
While it’s a frustrating start for the teenager, he remains highly regarded and will be expected to make an impact once fit. From a Celtic perspective, it’s a reminder of the growing challenge in keeping hold of top young talent, especially when Premier League clubs come calling.
The hope for Cummings now is that he can recover quickly, regain fitness, and show the qualities that made him a standout in the Hoops’ youth ranks.
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