Nigeria-eligible forward Majid Balogun could not hide his excitement after putting pen to paper on his first professional contract with Premier League side West Ham United, Footynaija.com reports.
Balogun joined the Hammers from Manchester United two years ago and has since grown into one of the club’s brightest academy prospects.
The highly-rated 18-year-old made 45 appearances for West Ham’s youth teams, registering three goals and two assists while helping the young Hammers lift the 2025 U18 Premier League Cup.
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After sealing the milestone move, Balogun admitted signing his first professional deal was a dream come true, although he remains hungry for even greater achievements in the future.
Majid Balogun wants to achieve more after signing first professional contract
“It feels really good,” Balogun told the club website. “I think every young player is working towards this moment, so it’s a big thing to achieve. But at the same time, you always want more. This is a really good platform to go on and achieve bigger things.
“I’d never really experienced something like that before,” he continued. “Going to live with a host family was a big change. In digs at West Ham, you’re around your teammates all the time, but there it was just me and the family, so it definitely took some getting used to.
“It was difficult at first, but when you really love something, like I love football, you’re willing to make sacrifices for it. I’m really glad it’s paid off and I’m so grateful for this opportunity because not many people get the chance.”
Balogun will now be looking to keep up his impressive performances as he takes the next step in his career with West Ham United’s U21 side.
The versatile young forward was born in London to Nigerian parents of Yoruba descent. This makes him eligible represent both the Super Eagles and the Three Lions of England at international level.
