Russ Budden
West Ham United has taken another significant step in securing the future of its academy talent. Following the recent announcement of Lewis Orford’s 5-year contract, the club has now tied down promising left-back Ollie Scarles with a new 4-year deal, which includes an option for a fifth year.
This news comes from ExWHUemployee, who has revealed that the club sees Scarles as a natural successor to Aaron Cresswell, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Scarles is also viewed as a strong competitor to Emerson for the left-back position. With this deal in place, West Ham looks well-positioned to cover the left side of defense for the foreseeable future.
Scarles has already made his first-team debut and gained experience in European competitions, showcasing his potential. The club’s decision to secure his long-term future reflects the trust they have in his abilities and their strategy of developing young talent from within the Academy.
Mark Noble, who was instrumental in negotiations for Lewis Orford’s deal, once again played a key role in Scarles’ contract extension. The official announcement is expected in the coming week, after the completion of promotional material.
After recovering from an injury last season, Scarles has been included in the pre-match squad for the recent game against Manchester City, signaling that he is getting closer to regular first-team involvement. As Aaron Cresswell’s departure looms, Scarles is expected to compete seriously for the starting left-back position alongside Emerson.
This move is part of a broader strategy at West Ham to ensure the long-term development and retention of key academy players. With other young talents like Callum Marshall also tied down to long-term deals, the future of West Ham’s Academy looks promising.
In the coming weeks, more updates are expected regarding player contracts and potential signings, as the club continues to scout talent to support its succession planning efforts. Stay tuned for further details.
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