West Ham United have suffered a Hammer blow with the news that yet another academy prospect has been poached. The news was broken exclusively by transfer ITK Fabrizio Romano, who is known to have close links with Manchester City.
The Italian journalist revealed that Pep Guardiola’s club are on the cusp of signing Irons midfield prospect and England youth player Divine Mukasa. This follows the recent departure of Jamal Baptiste, who also left to join the same club. Manchester City have become proficient in hoovering up some of the continents best talents in recent years.
Claret and Hugh contacted the club and were told by a top West Ham source: “It’s sad he’s been got at, and compensation we get is pathetic, its not right.”
Romano wrote on his X (Twitter) column: “Manchester City poised to sign talented England U17 midfielder Divine Mukasa from West Ham, here we go, confirmed. Long term deal agreed, to be formally sealed in next 48h. City keep going for best talents as their Academy remains crucial part of the club’s project.”
Hammer blow, West Ham have lost another academy star to Manchester City.
This will be a bitter blow to the club who have invested heavily in youth development in recent times. West Ham have category A academy status, and last year won the FA Youth Cup by thrashing Arsenal in the final. Last night the under 21’s defended a strong Bristol Rovers side 3-1 in the EFL trophy.
Given the wealth of talent at West Ham, there will surely be some concern that more plundering may occur in the future.