West Ham United is delighted to announce that midfielder Patrick Kelly has signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract.
The 19-year-old, who was part of the U18s' FA Youth Cup-winning side last season, has put pen to paper on a new deal until the summer of 2026.
The Northern Ireland U21 international joined the Hammers in 2022 from NIFL Premiership club Coleraine and has featured in every U21 match for the Irons this term.
Having extended his stay in east London, Kelly’s ambition now is to break into the men's senior squad, a goal he shares for both Club and country.
“I am over the moon, to be honest, and delighted to continue my time at West Ham,” Kelly stated. “When I signed for the first time here, I was told that your second professional contract is a really important one to achieve so it is good that I have got that.
“It has been a top experience working with all the coaches at U21s and U18s level over the last couple of years. From the coaches, the psychologists, and the physios, and the strength and conditioning staff too, everyone has helped me out massively.
“My goal now is to break into the first team environment at West Ham and make my debut, whether that be in the league, the cup, or in a European competition.”
Born in the seaside resort of Portstewart, County Londonderry, just a few miles north of Coleraine, Kelly made his senior debut for his local club in September 2021, aged 16 years and eleven months.
Following his move to West Ham two years ago, Kelly then made himself a regular in Kevin Keen’s U18 side as they completed a historic U18 Premier League South division and FA Youth Cup double last season.
He would also earn his first appearance for the U21s in 2022/23, appearing in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy in August 2022, before making his first Premier League 2 appearance away to Manchester City a few days later.
So far in 2023/24, Kelly has started each of the U21s’ five Bristol Street Motors Trophy ties as the young Hammers reached the round of 16.
He has also appeared in all ten Premier League 2 matches for the development outfit and scored his first goal at U21 level in the Hammers’ 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest in December.
Sporting Director Mark Noble is thrilled to see Kelly follow fellow FA Youth Cup winners Kaelan Casey and George Earthy in committing his future to the Club this season.
Noble said: "Since signing for the Club in 2022, Patrick has embodied the Academy’s core values of hard work, determination, and humility.
“He has settled in really well and that has shown through his performances on the pitch, where he has been a key part of the Under-18s success last season and carried that into Under-21 level this year.
“This new contract is a sign of the Club’s faith and belief in Patrick, but also a challenge and an incentive for him to continue his progression and prove that he can go up another level higher.
“It is now up to Patrick - as it is with the other young professionals to have signed new contracts this season - to keep showing the same hunger, commitment and determination, in order to reach the next step on the ladder and climb even further.
“We look forward to seeing how Patrick will respond to the challenge in front of him - he is highly thought of by everyone here and we are delighted that he will continue his progress with West Ham United.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Patrick on signing his new contract and wish him the best in his future career in Claret and Blue.
