Youngster Lewis signs new deal

Exciting prospect Alfie Lewis has put pen to paper on a long term deal
West Ham United are delighted to announce that highly rated Academy prospect Alfie Lewis has signed a new long term contract with the Club.

The 16-year-old England youth international has already been at West Ham for nearly a decade, and he marked the impressive milestone by committing his future to the Hammers.

The youngster has enjoyed a breakthrough season, first impressing at U18 level before making his Development Squad bow in a 1-1 draw away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.  

After putting pen to paper on a full-time scholarship, Lewis beamed: “I’m delighted. I’ve been here a long time at the Club, so I’m delighted to have turned professional. A lot of hard work has gone into this. Hard work pays off in the end, so it is a big honour.

“It’s a huge day for me and my family, as they’ve been supporting me throughout, right from when I joined West Ham ten years ago.”

Despite his inexperience at U21 level, the teenager refused to be cowed as he pulled the strings in the heart of midfield and snapped into tackles.

His outstanding performance was rewarded with a second U21 start the next fixture, responding with another accomplished showing in a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green.

Lewis clearly relished those opportunities, adding: “This is definitely one of the best moments of my career so far. Making my U21 debut earlier this season was a big moment but this trumps it.

“I’m really enjoying my football at the moment. Rush Green is a great environment; everyone gets along and supports each other.

“All the coaches have backed me and supported me, especially this year. I’ve pushed on because of that.

“Making my U21 debut was a big achievement, an important milestone and I hope I get more opportunities soon.”

Despite his tender years, Lewis speaks with an assured confidence that demonstrates his latent self-belief.

For those who have not yet seen Lewis in action, who better to describe his style of play, than the man himself?

“I’m a player that likes to get the ball; I like to get it down and make things happen. I like watching players like Dimitri Payet, Mesut Ozil and Luka Modric.”

Now, having committed his future at such an exciting time for everyone connected to West Ham, Lewis is already targeting his first-team debut at the Hammers’ fantastic new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

He concluded: “The new Stadium is going to be fantastic and it would be a great place to make my first-team debut. Fingers crossed, if I continue to work hard, it’ll happen one day!”