The 18-year-old starlet of Nigerian heritage has been handed his first official deal by the Hammers following his impressive displays with the academy youth setup so far
London-born Nigerian teenager Majid Balogun has signed his first professional contract with Premier League club West Ham United, the club have announced.
The budding winger, who swapped Manchester United for West Ham United in the summer of 2024, has made a rapid progress with the West Ham U18 this term and would be spending time with the U21s setup for the 2026/27 campaign after seeing his future secured on a long-term contract by his mother club this summer.
A statement confirming the Nigeria-prospect rising star first PRO contract read: ''West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy forward Majid Balogun has signed his first professional contract with the Club.
''Balogun joined the Academy from Manchester United, signing scholarship terms with the Hammers ahead of the 2024/25 season. Making 45 appearances across the last two seasons for the U18s, Balogun was part of the young Hammers squad that won the U18 Premier League Cup in 2025.
''A powerful and direct forward capable of operating both out wide and through the middle, Balogun will now continue his development with the U21s once the new Academy season gets underway in August.''
Right after appending his signature to the deal, the young prodigy had this to tell his club's official website: ''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.”
He added: “I’d never really experienced something like that before,” he continued. “Going to live with a host family was a big change. In digs at West Ham, you’re around your teammates all the time, but there it was just me and the family, so it definitely took some getting used to.
“It was difficult at first, but when you really love something, like I love football, you’re willing to make sacrifices for it. I’m really glad it’s paid off and I’m so grateful for this opportunity because not many people get the chance.”
Academy Director Kenny Brown added: “Majid’s got a real appetite to learn,” Brown said. “He’s very well-liked around the place, quite unassuming, but quietly confident in his own ability.
“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.''
Given his Nigerian heritage, the London-born native budding winger could be a future asset for the Super Eagles at the senior level on the international stage.
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