By Kenny Brown’s admission, this is not the sort of signing Premier League giants West Ham United tend to make all that often.
But so impressive was this ‘high-energy midfielder’ – during both a trial with the Hammers and when going head-to-head with footballers sometimes twice his age at senior level – they seized the opportunity to bring Connor Brooks some 30 miles away from his Canvey Island home.
Brooks becomes the latest teenage talent to join West Ham United since the beginning of July. A rare addition from non-league football, as well.
Kenny Brown, the club’s Academy Manager, welcomed the 17-year-old with open arms to Chadwell Heath on Wednesday.
West Ham tied down Joel Kerr – another new face – to a full-time scholarship deal some 48 hours previously. Now, Brooks puts pen to paper himself while bidding farewell to old employers Concord Rangers in the process.
Concord Rangers praise ‘fantastic’ West Ham United newbie Connor Brooks
Brooks made his debut on the senior stage at the age of just 16, back in August 2024.
He ended his breakout campaign of first-team football with over 20 appearances for a Concord Rangers outfit who finished 16th in the Isthmian League North Division.
Like with Kerr and Callum Leacock – the Northern Irish duo who crossed the sea when joining West Ham from Glentoran and Linfield respectively – this was an opportunity the Essex-based outfit were never going to deny their prized asset.
On their official X account, Concord Rangers wished Brooks the best as he embarks upon a transfer which takes him six steps up the footballing pyramid.
Brooks describes himself as a ‘competitive defensive or box-to-box midfielder [who] can break up play, find passes and score a few goals’. The teenager is renowned for his versatility – Brooks is capable of performing all across the centre of the park – as well as the confidence and determination which helped him stand out amongst far more experienced footballers.
“It’s surreal. I feel incredible,” Brooks tells the club’s official website. “It’s a moment you always dream of, and to come to a club like West Ham United. I couldn’t ask for anything better.
“The pathway for young players at West Ham is clear. And when you see that pathway, it gives you a real character and something to really go for as well.
“That was definitely one of the pushing factors as to why I chose to continue my development with West Ham United, as was having the opportunity to work with the coaches, who really want to help develop me as a player.”
Big seasons ahead for Hammers starlets Ollie Scarles, Lewis Orford and Kaelan Casey
Under-21 boss Mark Robson is backing Lewis Orford and Kaelan Casey to push on and establish themselves in Graham Potter’s first-team next season. Left-back Ollie Scarles was named the Hammers’ Young Player of the Year, meanwhile, after overtaking Emerson Palmieri at the age of just 19.
“We have watched Connor numerous times, and we are delighted to have signed him,” the aforementioned Kenny Brown adds. “He’s a high-energy midfield player, who can manipulate the ball, tackle and can score goals.
“So he’s got all the attributes to succeed with us, and he adds to what we’ve already got in the group.”
West Ham have this month secured the services of Daniel Cummings – sporting director Mark Noble expects big things from the ex-Celtic starlet – while Mohamadou Kante arrives in the English capital after a season on loan with Paris FC across the Channel.
