West Ham has successfully secured the signing of the highly-rated Irish teenager, Sean Moore. The promising winger joins the English club from NIFL Premiership side Cliftonville, committing to a three-year deal that extends until June 2026.
The wonderkid is regarded as one of Ireland's brightest talents and recently made his debut for the Republic of Ireland Under-19 team earlier this year. After previously representing Northern Ireland at the Under-18 level, Moore decided to switch his international allegiance and made his first appearance for the Republic's U19 team in March. He came off the bench in a Euro U19 qualifier against Greece.
Having signed his first professional contract with Cliftonville last summer, Moore went on to make 31 appearances in the Premiership during the 2022/23 season. He scored five goals as his team, Belfast-based Cliftonville, secured a fourth-place finish before narrowly losing out to Glentoran in the UEFA Europa League Conference play-off final.
Impressing with his performances, Moore was named in the NIFL Premiership Team of the Year and won the NI Football Writers' Association Young Player of the Year award.
Speaking on the club's website, Moore said, "I started playing football when I was six, so it’s pretty amazing to sign a professional contract at West Ham United. I am absolutely delighted to join West Ham. It’s a massive Club, so it was an easy decision for me."
"Last year, West Ham won the FA Youth Cup, and the first team also won the UEFA Europa Conference League, which was a brilliant achievement."
Moore also expressed his appreciation for the family-oriented environment at the club and mentioned his connections with fellow players who praised their experiences at West Ham. He acknowledged the clear pathway from the Academy to the first team, which he considers important for young players like himself. Moore expressed his aspirations of playing for the first team in the future and expressed his eagerness to make a positive impression with the U21 squad and succeed in East London.
We are pleased to welcome Sean Moore to the Academy of Football 🖊
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 30, 2023
Moore's move follows the footsteps of Michael Forbes, Callum Marshall, Josh Briggs, and Patrick Kelly, who all made the transition from Northern Ireland to England in previous years.
He added, "It’s a family-orientated Club too. I have heard nothing but good things about West Ham. I know Callum Marshall, Patrick Kelly, and Josh Briggs well, and they told me how good it is here and how much they have enjoyed it.
“It’s clear there’s a pathway to the first team from the Academy as well, which is important for young players such as myself. I would love to play for the first team one day. I’m hoping to make a good impression when I start with the U21s and hopefully do very well in east London."
Academy Manager Kenny Brown extended a warm welcome to Moore, expressing excitement about the young player's potential and the addition of another talented individual to West Ham's Academy of Football. Brown described Moore as a dynamic and speedy winger who has caught the club's attention over the past couple of years.
“Sean is a dynamic, pacey winger who we have been monitoring over the past couple of years and one we believe has a really bright future in east London,"said Brown. "Sean has been a prominent player for Cliftonville in Northern Ireland, and having just finished a successful season with them, we are excited to have him join our U21 squad here at Rush Green.
“We are all looking forward to working with him at West Ham United, a place we all know will give him the best opportunity to develop as a footballer and hopefully reach his full potential.”
The 17-year-old will now join West Ham's U21 squad for the 2023/24 season.
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