West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy defender Ryan Battrum has signed a new contract with the Club.
The 19-year-old was joined by his parents and two younger brothers as he put pen to paper at the Club’s Rush Green Training Ground on a new two-year deal.
Part of a family of Hammers fans, Battrum has proudly worn Claret and Blue since the age of eight. In the first year of his scholarship, he played a key role in the 2022/23 U18s squad that achieved the Premier League South and FA Youth Cup double, making 19 league appearances and starting both the FA Youth Cup semi-final and final. The following season, he captained the U18s before taking on further responsibility with the U21s, where he has also worn the armband in his first year as a professional.
"It’s an honour to be able to captain the U21s,” Battrum said. “It’s one level away from the first team, and it’s a big thing. It shows the manager trusts you to lead and be vital to the team. It’s given me a lot of confidence, and it’s definitely a big positive.
"U21s football is a massive step up. The intensity just goes through the roof. From U18s to U21s, you can see how much more physical, fast and sharp it is. And then, when you’re over with the first team, the intensity goes up again. I've taken it as a challenge, and I’ve enjoyed it. I just want to keep getting better.”
As well as his family, Battrum also marked the special occasion with Sporting Director Mark Noble. Having once posed for a photo with the former Hammers captain as a young Academy player, Noble has since become a mentor in Battrum’s career.
Battrum continued: “It was after a training session and the first team must have been training nearby. He came over, and he was one of my heroes at the time. So, to get a photo with him was great. Then, a few years later, he’s telling me that I’ve signed a new contract. It’s a bit surreal.
“It just shows the journey, and how things can change in football. It’s unreal. He’s like a mentor. When I see him, he gives me good advice. He tells me when I’ve done well. He congratulated me a lot on my contract. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to and now that we know each other, it’s great to have that friendly connection too.”
Academy Manager Kenny Brown praised Battrum’s work ethic on the pitch and his attitude off it when congratulating him for his contract extension.
“Ryan has established himself in with the U21s since moving over to Rush Green in the summer,” said Brown. “His dedication, ability and work ethic this season have seen him consistently give strong performances and we are all delighted that he has signed an extension to his contract.
“Although Ryan is coming back from an injury which has seen him miss the past month of fixtures, it won’t be long before he’s match fit and ready to attack the second half of the season.
“Looking further ahead, this extension provides Ryan with stability and knowledge that he is well thought of at the Club and allows him to concentrate on his next stage of his development.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Ryan on signing his new contract and wish him every success for his future career in Claret and Blue.
