West Ham have made big public relations statements by the signing of new long-term deals of three of their academy ‘future stars’ (let’s not throw that ‘wonderkid’ expression around) in recent days. The direction of travel for the senior squad is most definitely moving towards opportunity coming knocking for the academy talent.

Josh Landers, Mohamadou Kantê and most recently today Preston Fearon signing a new contract until 2028 shows the confidence these youngsters have that there is now a pathway into the seniors which, under Lopetegui and Potter, was non-existent.

Nuno’s brief spell has so far yielded match time for Ollie Scarles, Freddie Potts and Callum Marshall – so no wonder this  newly-signed trio are happy to commit their careers to West Ham.

In Nuno’s press conference this afternoon he gave a huge hint that more opportunities for West Ham’s talented youngsters are just around the corner.

West Ham coach makes tantalising promise

When asked if he’d had a chance to look at the youngsters  he replied with an emphatic and tantalising promise:

“Yes – and soon you’re going to see – you’re going to see [them] – we need our academy players. We need them – desperately”