West Ham United is delighted to announce that young defender Regan Clayton has signed a new two-year contract.
The 19-year-old, who played every minute of West Ham United’s FA Youth Cup-winning campaign in 2022/23, has put pen to paper on a new deal until the summer of 2026.
Having joined the Academy at just ten-years-old, Clayton is West Ham through and through and has impressed staff throughout the age groups with his ability on the pitch, as well as his attitude off it.
Breaking into the U18s squad at just 15, he signed scholarship terms with long-term teammates Kaelen Casey and George Earthy. Part of a bright group of young Hammers, our U18s recorded a historic 2022/23 season, clinching the Premier League South Division title and the FA Youth Cup.
Impressive achievements in their own right, the then 18-year-old Clayton also broke into Mark Robson’s U21s squad, making over 30 appearances, while also being part of West Ham United’s matchday squads in both UEFA Europa Conference League fixtures against FCSB in the early part of 2022/23.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said. “Being here since Under-10s, this extension takes me to over a decade at the Club I’ve always supported and grown up on.”
Clayton’s progress came to an unfortunate halt in April when a serious knee injury picked up in the Premier League International Cup semi-final against PSV Eindhoven required surgery, leaving the boyhood Hammer uncertain about his future as he approached the end of his contract.
“With my injury, this contract extension has given me such a huge boost,” he continued. “The recovery process is a long one and the new contract has given me a massive lift in terms of confidence. Although I love watching the boys play, I’m really itching to get back on the pitch with them. So far, the rehab has been going well, the staff are highly-skilled and they are great people to be around, which makes the process easier.”
Academy Manager Kenny Brown could not speak higher of the young midfielder, a player who embodies the values of West Ham United.
He said: “Regan was instrumental in our success in the FA Youth Cup. He’s a very popular member of the group. He’s so consistent in everything he does. He’s a proper role model. When you look at players that thrive in their scholarship, that’s Regan. He’s a coach’s dream. He’s always ready, available, he wants to learn, and above all, he’s a good player.”
Commenting on Clayton's rehabilitation process, Brown continued: “He’s got the full support of everybody here. We know he’ll attack his rehab in the same way he’s attacked every training session. We believe in him and we want him around for a long time.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Regan on signing his new contract and wish him every success for his future career in Claret and Blue.
