West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy forward Andre Dike has signed his first professional contract with the Club.
The 17-year-old was joined by his close family at Rush Green training ground to put pen-to-paper on his pro deal.
“It's something that a lot of people dream of,” he said. “I’m just grateful to be in a position where I can say that I've signed a professional contract. At a Club like West Ham United, it's obviously a great privilege, and I'm grateful for everyone that's helped me along the way.
“I want to thank God first. I used to pray for moments like this when I was younger. I want to thank my parents for the sacrifices they've made for me and the platform they've given me. My brothers, my sisters and all my friends as well for getting me through hard times.
“I come from humble beginnings,” he continued. “There aren't any footballers in my family that have become professional, so it’s special to be the first one to do it. It means a lot to my family and even our family back home in Nigeria as well. It's just a great day. It's something I've prayed for and worked on for a long, long time. For it to actually happen and become a reality, it's great.”
Part of the U18s squad that won the 2024/25 Premier League Cup, Dike joined West Ham United at U11s from local grassroots team Thurrock District. In his first year as a scholar with the Hammers, the 17-year-old made 14 starts, scoring three goals - including a brace in a 4-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur - yet insists there is plenty more to come.
“There were highs and lows last year,” he reflected. “But I know I can turn these into lessons and take those learnings into next season and the rest of my career. It was good for us to win the silverware.
“I think there's big things to come for me this season. I feel like the U18s team we have this year can do really good things in the league and also in the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Cup.”
A skilful winger equally capable of playing through the middle, Dike has received international recognition for his progress at Chadwell Heath since joining seven years ago. Making his youth international debut for England U16s, the winger boasts an impressive record with the Young Lions, having played ten games, winning nine and drawing one, while scoring three goals.
“Playing for your country is something you should never take for granted. I went to the first two camps of the U17s season, and it was amazing. In my first game against Mexico, I won a penalty and scored it. In the next camp, I scored against Sweden in a position where I’d never played before, left-back. It was a new experience, but I was up for it. The coach talked to me the day before and said that I'd be playing there. As a footballer and a young pro, you learn to embrace new challenges. That's what I did, and I got rewarded with a goal.”
West Ham United Academy Manager Kenny Brown was full of praise for the young forward and believes Dike has all the tools to continue progressing as he begins the second year of his scholarship.
“We’re all delighted for Andre,” Brown said. “He’s been with us for a long time now, and we’ve seen him grow into a mature, intelligent young man. He’s got great technical ability, he’s added more dynamism to his game, and there’s more end product in his play now.
“This is a credit to Andre himself, as well as to the staff who work with him day in, day out. He comes in every day eager to improve. He’s well-liked in the dressing room, he’s humble and he carries himself the right way.
“Our aim is to help him push into the U21s set-up this season. He’s got the opportunity and the potential. Now it’s about continuing to work hard and take those next steps.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Andre on signing his first professional contract and wish him every success in Claret and Blue.