West Ham United is delighted to announce that attacking midfielder George Earthy has signed a new three-year contract with the Club.
A key part of the U18s side that claimed a memorable league and FA Youth Cup double in 2022/23, 18-year-old Earthy has put pen to paper on a deal until the summer of 2026.
His second professional contract with the Club is the next step in an Academy of Football journey that began at six years old and saw the young midfielder start all six of West Ham United’s matches in last season’s FA Youth Cup-winning run, scoring three goals along the way.
Earthy said: “I am really pleased to extend my stay with West Ham United. I have been here since I was really young and signing a new contract is something I have been working really hard towards over the past seasons.
“I am buzzing to continue my journey at West Ham. It means a lot to play for the team you support – and this contract is a massive vote of confidence in myself as a player going forwards.
“I want to push on now and keep showing everyone what I can do when playing for the U21s this season.”
Citing Mark Noble and Manuel Lanzini as his Hammers inspirations, Earthy enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 season with the U18s and was rewarded for his fine form with a first professional contract ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
The creative midfielder would switch between a No10 and wide role for the development side throughout 2022/23 and ended the campaign with three goals in 25 outings in all competitions, netting in wins over Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Earthy still 18 years old, he continued to represent the U18s last campaign, scoring four times in eleven U18 Premier League South appearances as Kevin Keen's young side claimed the league title.
A talent on the ball and a valiant worker without it, Earthy would play all six matches in the team's FA Youth Cup run, scoring three goals; a vital late winner away to Burnley in the fourth round, a creative finish in the away win at Stoke City in the fifth, and a classy strike – West Ham’s equaliser - in the 5-1 final win against Arsenal last May.
He also featured as part of West Ham United’s pre-season tour to Australia this summer, playing in the 3-2 win against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
“Our group was amazing last year,” Earthy added. “Many of us have been playing football with West Ham together since we were 11 – or even younger – and have moved through the Academy age groups with each other.
“It makes it extra special winning a cup when you are playing with your mates. It’s what you dream of really. Now it is about continuing that this season. It is about sharpening up my game as much as I can.
“In the U21s, I want to score as many goals as I can and if I get a chance to be around the first team to make sure I show what I can do and prove my worth.”
You can read more about George Earthy's journey at the Academy of Football by clicking here.
With U21s team-mates Kamarai Swyer, Freddie Potts and Kaelan Casey also signing new contracts this summer, the Club has continued to show its faith in the new generation of talent in East London.
Sporting Director Mark Noble said: “We are delighted that George has signed a new contract. He has been with the Academy since the age of six, so he knows the football club inside out and loves being here.
“George has a fantastic attitude towards his development. He works hard on and off the pitch, listens to advice and always wants to get better – and it is those attributes that have enabled him to make such positive progress in the last couple of seasons.
“It has been a great journey so far for George – he played a big part in helping the Under-18s to win the FA Youth Cup and league double last season and has handled the step up to Under-21 level really well.
“We are all excited to see him continue his footballing journey and wish him the very best for his future career with West Ham United.”
Academy Manager Kenny Brown added: “It is really pleasing to see another member of last year’s FA Youth Cup-winning side sign a new long-term contract with the Club.
“George follows Kaelan Casey in signing a new deal this year and we are thrilled he will continue his development with his boyhood team.
"George has been with West Ham since the age of six, so it is a credit to both the player and all the coaches and staff that have worked with him during his time at Chadwell Heath, that he is making the next step in his football career.
“This deal shows the Club’s commitment to retain and nurture our best local young players and provide a pathway for them that we hope will lead to opportunities within West Ham United’s first team.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate George on signing his new contract and wish him the best in his future career in Claret and Blue.
