West Ham United is delighted to announce that Dan Rigge has signed his first professional contract with the Club.
The attacking midfielder put pen to paper this week at the iconic Chadwell Heath training ground.
After being a part of the squad that won the U18 Premier League South division title and the FA Youth Cup last season, the 17-year-old has scored three goals in five league matches this term for Kevin Keen’s team, and is thrilled to continue his development in east London.
“I am very proud,” said Rigge. “It is a huge moment for me and my family because it is every young player's dream to sign their first professional contract, especially at a club like West Ham United.
“It has given me a lot of confidence that the Club believes in me and hopefully I can do well at West Ham in the future.
“I have really enjoyed my time here so far. I felt really welcomed when I arrived ahead of last season and I am delighted to continue my development here.”
The former England U16s international joined the Academy of Football from Manchester City, signing Scholarship terms in July 2022, and enjoyed an impressive debut season under U18s lead coach Keen.
Rigge featured 24 times in all competitions in 2022/23 and scored two goals in important victories against Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur. He appeared on three occasions as the U18s lifted the FA Youth Cup for the fourth time in West Ham’s history, featuring as a substitute in both the semi-final at London Stadium and the final at Emirates Stadium.
“Last season was really good with the trophies we won,” Rigge added. “I have learnt so much from Kev over the past year or so. He is a great manager and gets the best out of all of us.
“Winning the FA Youth Cup was one of the best feelings I’ve had in football. The support was amazing. I don’t think you would get that at another club.”
Rigge becomes the latest member of the FA Youth Cup-winning squad to sign a new contract after George Earthy and Kaelan Casey both penned new terms for the 2023/24 season.
It marks continued investment from the Club in the next generation of talent and Academy Manager Kenny Brown is pleased to see another talented young player commit his future to West Ham United.
Brown said: “Dan agreeing to professional terms with the Club is a really great moment for him and West Ham United, too.
“Since his arrival last season, he has quickly shown his qualities on and off the pitch and we have all seen an immense dedication from him to learn and grow as a footballer while in East London.
“His performances for our senior Academy teams this season and last have been consistently impressive and we are pleased to see him take the next step in his career.
“Dan is a very talented and skilful footballer, and everyone is excited and eager to help him continue his development at the Academy of Football!”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Dan on signing his first professional contract and wish him every success in Claret and Blue.
