A deal for Patrick Kelly has been completed, according to well-placed sources in Belfastlive. The 17-year-old was a prodigy in demand, as Manchester City and Sunderland battled for his signature. However, it is West Ham who have won the race for the exciting Nothern Irish prospect.
The youthful prodigy, who was born in 2004, is a midfielder by trade. However, he is capable of playing a wider role as well. He progressed through the Coleraine FC ranks. Kelly impressed the development system and was given a chance to play in the first squad the previous season.
Kelly’s qualities were recognised, and he was included in the matchday squad for the Europa Conference League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina’s FK Velez Mostar. His sublime technique and vision are well-known. Last season, the midfielder recorded one goal and four assists. Kelly will undergo his medical before 20th June, and the deal is supposedly done unless something unusual happens.
Where Kelly Fits In At The London Stadium
It is likely that Patrick Kelly will not be a part of the first team right off the bat. He will play for the junior teams before he gets a look into the senior squad. However, with his first-team experience, he may get a shot in the Europa Conference League. West Ham do not have the most luxurious squads, and they may look to heavily rotate in Europe. Kelly may well be on course to get a few senior caps there.
David Moyes has transformed West Ham United. When he became their coach, he was considered a coach whose best days were behind him. With West Ham struggling with relegation in Mark Pellegrini’s final days, the appointment of Moyes made fans believe that relegation was certain.
However, the Scotsman turned it around and has made West Ham go toe-to-toe with the big boys. They would once again be fighting for a European place and may have a slight outside chance of a Champions League finish.
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