Kemp signs for Hammers

Former Chelsea player Dan Kemp has signed a long term deal with the Club
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of 16-year-old winger Daniel Kemp on a long-term contract.

The exciting winger joins the Hammers having recently left London rivals Chelsea, where he first signed aged just six.

Describing his delighted at signing for the Hammers, Kemp said: “I’m over the moon to have signed for West Ham. It’s a great club and I can really see a good pathway and a positive culture here.

“Today is a very proud day for myself but also my Dad, Mum and Sister. All I look to do is make them happy.”

With several other clubs interested in Kemp’s signature, he explained why he chose the claret and blue shirt over other suitors. 

“Speaking to Academy manager Terry Westley, it sounds like they’ve been watching me for a couple of years. It was about trying to find the right time to move, now I’m here I’m so pleased and really looking forward to my future.

“I’ve been to the Boleyn Ground a couple of times to watch games, it’s a fantastic stadium, it’s not the biggest but it has a great atmosphere.”

After signing a one-year scholarship, Kemp will sign a three-year professional deal in July 2016. 

Having swapped west London for east, Kemp continued to describe his admiration for new fans’ favourite Manuel Lanzini.

“As an attack-minded player I really like watching Lanzini, I think he’s an excellent player. I also like Mauro Zarate, those small, tricky kind of players.

“I like to take people on and dribble. I like to link up and I just enjoy making people happy when they’re watching me.”

The exciting prospect can play as a left-sided winger, as well as in a more central role as a number 10.

Having completed his move, Kemp could go straight into the U18s’ squad which travel to play Leicester City on Saturday 14 November. 

Further down the line, Kemp is already looking forward to a successful career at West Ham, and stated his dream of making his professional debut at the Hammers’ new stadium in Stratford.

“I’d love to make my debut in the new Stadium, it’s an unbelievable stadium. Obviously it’ll be brand new, it’s already iconic. I actually went to a few of the events during the Olympics; three years ago I never thought I might be playing there one day.

“As for this season, hopefully I’ll make a couple of appearances for the U21s, for now I just need to concentrate on training well, day in, day out. From there, I’ll see where that takes me.”