“SHOCKER: Midfielder Stunned Speechless as West Ham Begs for His Signature – Calls Move ‘The Easiest Decision of My Life!’”

This was a move that even Andy Irving himself never anticipated.

During a transfer window when West Ham United made high-profile acquisitions—signing James Ward-Prowse to strengthen England prospects, rewarding Konstantinos Mavropanos for his progress at Stuttgart, and bringing Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez from the Eredivisie—there was also a surprising addition.

The London Stadium welcomed a relatively unknown Scottish midfielder who had spent the past two seasons playing in Austria and the third tier of German football.

By his own account, Irving never imagined such a development.

While scouring for hidden gems, West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten secured what he considered a “no-risk” deal—£3 million for Irving from Austria Klagenfurt.

Though it went under the radar, with no official club announcement, two years on, Irving has become something of a cult favourite among the Hammers’ supporters.

Now 25, Irving looked back on his unconventional journey during an interview with the club’s official website, reflecting on how the transfer materialized and how it changed his career trajectory.

“I had a solid first season at Austria Klagenfurt, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect a club like West Ham to show interest,” Irving confessed.

“It was an easy decision once the opportunity came. You don’t say no to a club the size of West Ham.

“From the moment I signed, I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to earn my place and be part of the squad. That was always the goal.

“At the start, the plan was for me to come in, be given a chance, and show what I could offer.

Turning up at Rush Green for pre-season was surreal, but I got the minutes, the training experience, and a chance to prove myself.

I played every pre-season match, which helped me adapt and find my rhythm.

“I really enjoyed soaking up knowledge from players who’ve been at this level for years. They’re elite professionals, and I learned so much from just being around them.”

Although Irving’s signing raised eyebrows, his record in Austria suggested he had more to offer than many realized.

Across two seasons at Austria Klagenfurt, he delivered 16 goals and 14 assists—an impressive 30 direct goal contributions—including a stunning 24-minute hat-trick against Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg.

Still, it was the pre-season games in a West Ham shirt that truly instilled belief in Irving that he belonged.

“Those matches gave me the belief that I could make it at West Ham,” he continued. “Every day, you’re competing with top-tier players.

I’d like to think they’ve supported me, too—showing me the standards needed to play in the Premier League.

“They’ve helped me improve massively. I’ve become a better footballer because of it.”

This season, Irving’s progress has been evident. Earning praise from none other than club captain Jarrod Bowen, the man nicknamed the “Portobello Pirlo” has made 10 Premier League appearances so far.

His first start? None other than a London derby against Chelsea—another sign of just how far he’s come from those quiet days in Austria.