Republic of Ireland underage star Sean Moore has revealed one of the main factors behind his decision to join West Ham.
The highly-rated teenager completed his move from Irish league side Cliftonville to the Hammers on Friday for an undisclosed fee
The Northern Ireland league's Young Player of the Year had been linked with a number of clubs in England following an impressive breakthrough season at Solitude but speaking after completing his switch Moore said the pathway to the first team was a key reasons for plumping for the London Stadium.
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“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.
“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."
The 17-year-old made his Cliftonville debut in a County Antrim Shield victory over Bangor in October 2021 before going on to clock up 45 appearances for the club.
After netting his first goal for the Reds against Larne in January before adding another five before the end of the season.
His performances earned him a call up to the Republic of Ireland Under-19 squad, and made his debut for Tom Mohan’s side in March’s European Under-19 Championship qualifier with Greece.
The 17-year-old, a first-team regular with the NIFL Premiership side, has been capped at underage level for Northern Ireland.
However, he had no hesitation in switching allegiances when he was offered the opportunity to come into Mohan’s set-up.
West Ham Academy manager Kenny Brown is delighted to have the teenager on board.
“We are delighted to bring another talented young player to the Academy of Football, as we keep building for the future," he said.
“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.
"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.”
In announcing the news the Cliftonville wished Moore all the best for the future.
"Everyone at Solitude naturally wishes Sean well not only with the Hammers but for the entirety of a future career we will all be keeping a keen eye on," a club statement read.
