West Ham’s rising talent, Ollie Scarles, has secured a new long-term contract with the club, providing a significant boost to the Hammers’ academy.
Scarles first made waves at West Ham as a promising wing-back known for his precise crossing ability. He debuted for the senior team under David Moyes at just 16, during a 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League win against FCSB.
Despite his early promise, Scarles faced a setback after picking up an injury that stalled his progress. However, the club maintained faith in the young star. In an exclusive interview with former Hammers academy director Ricky Martin on The Hammers Chat Patreon channel, Martin expressed to me his unwavering confidence in Scarles, praising his potential and predicting he would succeed at the club.
Scarles’ return was further delayed by a growth spurt which has been noticeable over the past 18 months. Yet, this season, he has returned to the U21s squad with a bang, excelling in both central and attacking midfield roles—a crucial development for both him and the team.
Reflecting on his contract signing, Scarles shared, “I’ve enjoyed every moment since I joined West Ham at 11 years old. I know the club inside and out, and it’s been the best experience of my life. Winning the FA Youth Cup and making my first-team debut in the Conference League are memories I cherish, and I’m eager to build on them and progress further here.”
After missing the final stretch of last season due to a back injury, Scarles has returned in full force, playing a pivotal role in the U21s’ strong start to the Premier League 2 campaign.
“The focus right now with the U21s is to keep performing well and aim for a top finish in the league,” Scarles said. “With hard work, I hope to break into the first team. Hopefully, we can qualify for Europe, opening up even more opportunities!”
Congratulations Ollie