Diego Poyet, the son of Sunderland coach and former Uruguay international midfielder Gus Poyet, has signed a four-year contract with West Ham.
The 19-year-old ex-Charlton Athletic midfielder took his first steps as a top-flight footballer this afternoon on completion of the deal which will see him progress from Championship to Premier League under the watchful eye of Hammers boss Sam Allardyce.
The youngster is Allardyce’s fourth summer signing, with Argentine forward Mauro Zarate, Senegalese defender Cheikhou Kouyate and ex-Ipswich Town defender Aaron Cresswell all having sealed their moves to Upton Park by signing on the dotted line.
In a statement published on West Ham’s official website, Poyet said: “It’s massive to come to a Premier League club.
“It’s what I wanted to do – I wanted a new challenge and soon as I heard there was a chance of stepping up I had to take it.
“It was a no-brainer to sign, I wanted to come out here to the training camp as soon as I could and I’m grateful that they’ve had me here.
“I’m very happy to be here.
“It took me by surprise a little bit and it all happened very quickly.
“It is a great club to be at and I know a few of the boys here already.”