West Ham United is pleased to announce that young French defender Dimitri Colau has joined the Club’s Academy U21 development squad from newly promoted Ligue 1 club Paris FC.
The 19-year-old arrives at the Hammers on a four-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.
Colau links up with former Paris FC Academy teammate Mohamadou Kanté in the Irons' development squad. Kanté joined from the Parisian side in August 2024 before spending last season back on loan at Paris FC, who were promoted as runners-up to Lorient in May this year, and the defender is looking forward to joining his old friend in London.
“Mo and I have been teammates throughout our time with the Paris FC Academy,” Colau confirmed. “He spoke to me about the Club before I arrived. He spoke very highly of how he’d been welcomed in, the facilities and that the sessions have been really good, of really high quality. I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to get started.”
Born in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, north east of the centre of the French capital, Colau captained the Paris FC U19s in the National U19s French league, before being promoted to the first team during the 2023/24 season. He balanced youth-team duties with senior involvement, making his professional debut in a 3-0 Ligue 2 win over Concarneau and going on to record five first-team appearances across league and cup.
Last season however, as Paris FC secured promotion back to Ligue 1 for the first time since 1978, his progress was put on hold in a stop-start campaign disrupted by injury.
He explained: “I was delighted to make my debut during the 2023/24 campaign, but last season was a bit complicated with injuries. I started the season with the pros, but I alternated between injuries and being back on the pitch, so mid-season I decided to have surgery. I’m back now and raring to go.”
Colau has also represented his country at U16s level, winning all three games he has featured in without conceding, teaming up with UEFA Champions League winner Warren-Zaïre Emery in his last appearance for the national team, a 5-0 win over Wales.
A right-back that also has experience at centre-half, Colau described himself as a combative player: “I’m a full-back, but I during my formative years I played as a centre-back. For the last two seasons though, I've played full-back. I’d say I’m more defensive than offensive, but I can also push forward.
“If I had to describe myself as a player, I’d say I’m a fighter. I always give it my all. I'm ready to do whatever it takes to help my teammates. We're here to win.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Dimitri to the Club and wishes him every success for his career in Claret and Blue.
