Released Manchester United Youngster Signs with West Ham United

Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence into Manchester United’s first team and the England national team has garnered significant praise for the teenager. A year ago, Mainoo had not yet started a single Premier League game for the Red Devils. Now, the 19-year-old is poised to start for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday. Another United academy graduate, Alejandro Garnacho, has also reached a final with his country, as Argentina competes in the 2024 Copa America final.

West Ham signs academy player released by United

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 11 years ago, Manchester United has consistently produced world-class talent from their academy. Players like Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood, and now Mainoo have all emerged from this prestigious setup. However, the abundance of talent at United can lead to promising players being overlooked and released from the club.

One such player is academy striker Majid Balogun, who has left Old Trafford to join West Ham United. Balogun announced his move on Instagram, posting a picture of himself signing his contract with the caption, “back to it.”

Balogun joined Manchester United in 2022 from Lambeth Tigers, who confirmed his move to Old Trafford. Although he only made the bench for the under-18s once last season, he hopes for more opportunities with West Ham.

West Ham may have a hidden gem

Despite showing promise at Old Trafford, Balogun did not secure a professional contract with Manchester United. At just 16 years old, the striker has ample time to develop and could thrive in West Ham’s different structure. While United has a history of academy players breaking into the first team, West Ham hopes Balogun is a talent that slipped through United’s cracks.