West Ham sensation Jacob Knightbridge is set to leave after 13 years at the club, according to West Ham Football.
The reliable news outlet reported on May 31 that the 20-year-old goalkeeper will be released by the London Stadium outfit.
Knightbridge signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2022 but will now follow defender Ben Johnson in departing the club.
Via Twitter, the source wrote: “Brentwood-born West Ham goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge is set to be released by the Hammers when his contract expires at the end of next month.”
Knightbridge’s departure makes sense as he did not progress as the club had hoped. Despite joining the club at the age of seven and signing his first professional contract in 2022, he has not managed to break into the first team, even though he was part of the senior matchday squad on several occasions.
Given his age and the club’s immediate needs in the goalkeeping position, it is understandable that West Ham would choose to release him.
This decision reflects the competitive nature of professional football, where clubs must continuously evaluate and adjust their squad to meet immediate needs.
By releasing Knightbridge, the Hammers are likely looking to bring in more experienced or promising goalkeepers who can provide immediate competition for the starting spot.
It remains to be seen at what level Knightbridge will move, but his departure indicates that West Ham is aiming to strengthen their goalkeeping department for the future.
