West Ham United confirm the signing of Diego Poyet
West Ham United have added another exciting talent to their first-team squad this summer by signing Charlton’s highly-rated young star, Diego Poyet, son of the Sunderland manager, Gus.
Poyet, 19, starred for Charlton Athletic last season as he broke into the first-team and stuck around, becoming a vital player in attack.
His contract expired at Charlton at the end of the season but West Ham agreed an undisclosed fee for his services due to his age and have agreed a four-year deal with the young star. He burst onto the scene in January and went on to make 23 appearances for Charlton before leaving for Upton Park.
The exciting prospect has joined the Hammers squad on their pre-season training camp on the French-Swiss border ahead of the new season under Sam Allardyce. Poyet was born in Zaragoza, Spain, where his father Gus was playing for the city’s Primera Division club, in April 1995.
“I’m very happy to be here. It took me by surprise a little bit and it all happened very quickly,” said Poyet. “It’s a great Club to be at and I know a few of the boys here already.
“It was a no brainer to sign, I wanted to come out here to the training camp as soon as I could and I’m grateful that they’ve had me here.
“It’s massive to come to a Premier League club. It’s what I wanted to do – I wanted a new challenge and soon as I heard there was a chance of stepping up I had to take it.
“I played quite a few games last season with Charlton and I just want to push on now. Like any young player, the first thing you want to do is get into the first team. I need to show the staff, players and the gaffer what I’m capable of doing and maybe pushing my way in.
“West Ham is a great Club with a lot of tradition, moving to a new stadium and everything, it was a no brainer for me because you never know if you’re going to get that kind of chance again.”