West Ham confirm contract breakthrough with ‘fantastic’ first team star
West Ham have confirmed that midfielder Freddie Potts has signed a new long-term contract with the club as he continues an impressive loan spell with Portsmouth in the Championship.
The 21-year-old, who made his Hammers debut in December 2021 in the Europa League, has played three times for the first team. The 21-year-old’s other two appearances came in the Europa Conference League under David Moyes and Potts has a winner’s medal from that success in 2023.
The player was loaned to Wycombe Wanderers last season, where he won Player of the Year, before making the step up to the Championship with Portsmouth this term. Potts has been a key player under John Mousinho as the south coast club look to cement their place back in the second tier.
West Ham ‘delighted’ to confirm Freddie Potts contract
West Ham confirmed a new contract agreement with Potts on Tuesday afternoon. A statement from the club read: “West Ham United is delighted to announce that young midfielder Freddie Potts has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.
“The 21-year-old was joined by West Ham United Sporting Director Mark Noble at Rush Green Training Ground to put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal, committing his future to the Hammers until at least the summer of 2029.”
Potts visited Rush Green this week to sign his contract and catch up with Hammers colleagues before making his way back to Fratton Park. Speaking about his new deal, Potts said: “Mark Noble rang me to say the Club wanted to offer me a new contract, and I was delighted. To be given this extension is a massive moment for me. I’ve worked really hard over the last couple of seasons to earn this, and it gives me the security to push on in these final few months of the Championship season with Portsmouth and look ahead to an exciting summer.
“I’ve been at West Ham since I was five. I grew up in the area, and I’ve wanted to become a West Ham player my whole life. Hopefully, this [coming] pre-season, with the new manager coming in, brings a fresh opportunity. From what I’ve seen, it looks really exciting, so I’m eager to be part of it. My goal is to break into the first team and show what I can do at the highest level.”
Potts has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Portsmouth this term with one goal and four assists to his name. The midfielder is a regular starter for the side in the Championship and has earned the praise of Mousinho.
It was West Ham legend Mark Noble, who now works with the Academy, who was the one to break the news of a new deal offer to Potts. Speaking about the player, Noble said: “When I was captain, we used to go over to Chadwell Heath to watch the younger age groups and do some coaching. I remember seeing Fred when he was in the Under-11s, you could see straight away his enthusiasm and love for the game.
“Obviously, his Dad (former defender Steve) is a legend at the Club and a hugely respected member of staff. But he’s not going to play for West Ham because of that. He’s going to play for West Ham because he’s got the qualities and the ability and the mindset to play. It’s been great to see him do well on loan, first at Wycombe, where he had a fantastic season, and then taking the step up to go and play for Portsmouth, a fantastic club that have been great with him.”
