West Ham United is delighted to confirm that goalkeeper Krisztián Hegyi has extended his contract with the Club until the summer of 2027, with the option of a further year.
The 21-year-old, who enjoyed two valuable temporary spells away from east London last season, will now join Scottish top-flight side Motherwell for the 2024/25 campaign, with his loan officially starting on 1 July.
A May 2019 signing from Szombathelyi Haladás, Hungary U21 international Hegyi appeared 49 times in Premier League 2 and in multiple first-team squads in 2022/23 before heading out on loan to gain valuable experience last term.
He linked up with EFL League One outfit Stevenage at the start of 2023/24, playing six times, before contributing six clean sheets in 17 outings to help keep FC Den Bosch in the Dutch second tier Eerste Divisie.
With his long-term future in Claret and Blue secured, Hegyi will look to continue his development north of the border with Motherwell, who finished ninth in the Scottish Premiership last term.
Hegyi said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract with West Ham. It’s been a long time since I arrived here as a kid, but London is like home for me now. I feel I’m progressing with every single season, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
“It’s great to know that the staff at West Ham believe in me. It’s a stable place for me, where I’m always happy, and I’m confident I can continue developing in a really positive way while I’m at the Club.
“The staff stayed in touch with me throughout my loans last season, and Xavi [Valero, first-team goalkeeper coach] was even coaching me through the phone. They really supported me, and I did my best to take on the advice they gave me.
“I think I took a big step forward during the loan moves, especially when I was in Holland, and as a young goalkeeper you just need to play games. Hopefully in the coming season I can continue on the same path.
“I’m really excited about the chance to join Motherwell on loan. It’s an opportunity to play in a big league, in some big stadiums, and I can’t wait to get on the pitch now and continue working hard.”
Having worked closely with Hegyi since his arrival in the English capital, Valero is thrilled the Club have tied down the services of such an exciting prospect.
And, after keeping close tabs on the youngster’s progress at both Stevenage and Den Bosch, he is confident he will continue his considerable progress at Fir Park.
Valero added: “I’m so happy that Krisztián has signed a new deal. He is a big talent, who has all the attributes you look for in a goalkeeper. He’s been at West Ham for a long time, and I think a lot of us at the Club believe he’s got everything he needs to go to the very top.
“A player’s first loan moves are always difficult, but he gained good experience last season. Over in Holland, in particular, he did really well and played a lot of games. It was good for him to experience new environments and new competitions, and now he has a big chance up at Motherwell.
“I think it’s a really good move for him. Motherwell are a strong team in a good league, there are some big games in that division, and I’m confident he’ll come back to us in an even stronger position.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Krisztián on his new contract and wish him every success for his loan at Motherwell and his future in Claret and Blue.
