West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy midfielder Preston Fearon has signed a new contract with the Club, until the summer of 2028.
Fearon was joined by his close family, Academy Manager Kenny Brown and Sporting Director Mark Noble at Rush Green training ground to put pen to paper on his new deal, just over a year after signing his first professional contract.
In that 12-month period, Fearon has gone from strength to strength, stepping up from the U18s to the U21s, captaining the U18s to Premier League Cup glory, winning the Dylan Tombides Award and Doris Bell Trophy, making his debut for the first team in pre-season against Manchester United, and scoring his first goals in a 5-1 win over MK Dons in the Vertu Trophy.
Fearon said: “Ever since I came to the Club when I was at U15s, I felt part of the family, and to continue to be part of the family for the next three years is a great achievement. It feels really good.
“My confidence was low after I was released [by Chelsea], but joining West Ham, working with some great coaches, especially Lauris [Coggin], who has been part of my journey since U15s through to U18s, has allowed me to express myself on the pitch and do what I love.”
Fearon has started every game for our U21s development side this season, who have lost just one of their last nine games. This week, Fearon and the young Hammers reached the Vertu Trophy knockout stages for the second time in three years. Quietly going about his craft, he continues to impress and progress on his upward trajectory towards senior football.
A left-sided central midfielder with excellent technique, Fearon drew praise from Sporting Director Mark Noble for his progress since joining at U15s, while encouraging him and his teammates to keep their hunger and focus.
“Preston’s come really far, he’s a fantastic young player,” said West Ham’s record Premier League appearance maker. “His vision is second to none. He knows his pass. He's athletic. A very clever player.
“I always say to the Academy boys, you don't get many chances at first-team level because the quality is that strong in the Premier League. Once you get a chance, you've got to take it.
“I believe Preston has got a chance, I really do. I want the boys to not become complacent after signing a new contract. I want to push them to the next level. Never take it for granted, they've got to work hard to play for West Ham.
“You've got to stay hungry and it's down to us to keep them hungry and keep pushing them. He's got all the ingredients to be a top player and I look forward to seeing him continue pushing towards first-team football.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Preston on signing his new contract and wish him continued success in Claret and Blue.
