West Ham have secured the future of another Academy talent, as young goalkeeper Finlay Herrick has signed a new long-term contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2028, with an option for an additional year.
This deal follows in the footsteps of other promising Academy graduates like Lewis Orford, Ollie Scarles, George Earthy, and Callum Marshall, showing the club’s continued commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. There is little doubt that West Ham have made an absolute hash of nailing down out best players to long deals in recent years. But Mark Noble’s promotion run the Academy seems to have had a massive impact.
Our Academy of Football has always been a source of pride for us Hammers fans who grew up with a constant stream of local lads in the team. Therefore, it’s great to see the recent switch in emphasis back to securing our best young players on long term deals.
Finlay joined the club at just six years old and has steadily risen through the ranks and is now considered one of the most promising young goalkeepers in English football. His achievements at youth level, including helping our U18s win the FA Youth Cup and Premier League South in 2022/23, are just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future.
The 18-year-old has made significant strides this season, featuring regularly for West Ham’s U21s in Premier League 2, where he’s kept three clean sheets in six matches. Additionally, his hard work has earned him call-ups to England’s U19 squad and regular training sessions with Julen Lopetegui’s first team.
Reflecting on his journey, Herrick expressed his gratitude, saying, “West Ham has shaped me into the player and person I am today. I’m proud to call this club my home.”
With first-team goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s recent dodgy form, it’s somewhat reassuring to know that the club have a great crop of young keepers coming through.
