West Ham United is delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated young forward Daniel Cummings, following the expiration of his contract at Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.
A Scotland youth international, the prolific 19-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the Hammers and will this week join up with Mark Robson’s Academy U21 development squad for pre-season training.
An exciting talent, Cummings has scored goals throughout the age groups within Celtic’s youth set-up. Having signed his first professional contract with the Hoops in summer 2022, at just 16, he went on to enjoy an impressive season with the U18s, which included scoring late on in a thrilling Scottish Youth Cup final win over Rangers at Hampden Park in May 2023.
By that point, he had already scored his first goal for Celtic’s B team - against Stirling University in the Scottish Lowland League in February 2023 - and he continued to shine at that level in 2023/24, featuring in the UEFA Youth League and against West Ham United in the Premier League International Cup in September 2023.
Cummings arrives in east London off the back of the most prolific season of his career in 2024/25, clocking up an incredible 29 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, including six strikes in seven UEFA Youth League games as Celtic achieved their best-ever finish in the competition by reaching the round of 32. His form was subsequently rewarded as he made his senior debut for Brendan Rodgers’ men away at Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League in January 2025.
Lanarkshire-born Cummings now embarks on the next stage of his development in Claret and Blue, linking up with the U21s as they begin their preparations ahead of the new Premier League 2 campaign.
“It feels amazing to join West Ham United, and it's a dream come true,” said Cummings.
“It’s every young footballer’s dream to play in the Premier League, so when West Ham came calling, it was too good to say no, and I’m looking forward to getting started.
“Since day one, when Mark [Noble] was on the phone, he spoke so highly of everyone here and sold the Club to me.
“I did a lot of research about the Club and there’s a pathway to the first team, and that's all you can ask for as a young player.
“I’ve been at Celtic since the age of five and have played for their B team in the Lowland League for the last few years. I’ve played in the UEFA Youth League, and also managed to make my first-team debut in January against Aston Villa in the Champions League, and all of these experiences have provided the perfect preparation for my next step here at West Ham.
“I arrive here full of confidence. I loved every minute of last season because I went into every game feeling like I was going to score, and to do that on the big stage in the likes of the UEFA Youth League was amazing.
“I’m an all-rounded striker who likes to run in behind and hold up the ball, but at the end of the day, I'm a goal scorer, and I like to score goals and celebrate with the fans, so I'm going to give everything - absolutely everything - for this Club.
“I want to be successful and of course the aim is to be a first-team player for West Ham. I want to keep pushing, and hopefully I can do well and eventually get that first-team opportunity.”
Sporting Director Mark Noble expressed his own delight at the arrival of Cummings, and believes he has all the attributes to become a first-team player for West Ham United.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Daniel to the Club,” said Noble. “We have been watching his progress for the last year now. He has stood out in Scotland for a few seasons and has already gained a lot of experience.
“He is a young, talented player, and the sort of player I love. He works hard, he's aggressive and he has a big presence.
“We knew he was a talent, and we really believe in him. We hope he can come here and show everyone what he's got because he's got a great pedigree for it.
“He's made a big move from his family up north in Scotland to come down here and try and make a success of himself. We're delighted he's here, and now it’s over to him to make the step up and prove to everyone that he’s good enough to play in the Head Coach's team.
“If you come in and apply yourself right and do things properly, with the first team being so close to the U21s, anything can happen. You've seen that with Ollie Scarles and the other boys who have played in the first team recently. I know Daniel is very excited about this opportunity and we are just as excited to see his progress.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Daniel to the Club and wish him a successful future in Claret and Blue.
