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View: Josh Briggs will be eyeing West Ham United breakthrough as his move to London is confirmed
By Sean Fisher
West Ham have added 16-year-old Josh Briggs to their academy roster, with the Northern Irishman joining from Linfield.
While West Ham fans may be itching for further first team signings, the Hammers have at least been busy bolstering their youth squad this summer.
The latest arrival is 16-year-old Josh Briggs, who arrives in the academy from reigning NIFL Premiership champions Linfield.
Plying his trade at centre-back, Briggs quickly asserted himself as an incredible talent at Linfield and climbed his way up through the youth squads to feature in the club’s second-string last season – he started in the Steel & Sons Cup Final against Newington on Christmas Day 2021.
Briggs has also found his way into the international setup, having represented the Northern Ireland U16s and U17s earlier this summer. He joins compatriots Callum Marshall and Patrick Kelly in joining the Hammers’ academy, with the latter also joining this summer.
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“It’s a great achievement to join West Ham United and I am delighted to be here,” Briggs said to the West Ham club site.
“I’m very excited to play for this Club and this Academy, and I’m very excited for the season ahead.
“West Ham United is a great Club. It’s a traditional club with family values at the core. Everyone is very supportive of each other here, and looks out for each other. There is a high standard across the entire Club, with some exceptional players, and I’m looking forward to developing here.”
Briggs joined West Ham’s academy for their tour of the Czech Republic this summer, and already is attracting praise from Academy Manager Ricky Martin, who described the defender as a “tremendous talent” during his interview with the club site.
Making a first team appearance as early as this season is likely too big an ask, but there’s every chance that Briggs will be eyeing up a breakthrough season with the Hammers in the near future.
In other West Ham news, a scouting expert says Armando Broja should leave Chelsea for the Hammers.