Official: West Ham 17-year-old forward Dai signs first professional contract

Officially, West Ham United announced that academy forward Frankie Dai has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Dai has made three appearances for England youth teams. After joining from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the 2025/26 season, he has performed impressively at West Ham United.

He provided an assist on his West Ham U16 debut in March, helping the team defeat Reading 2-0. Afterwards, Dai became the team's top scorer during the U18 side's pre-season trips to York and Prague, and recorded one goal and one assist in his first three appearances in the 2026/27 U18 Premier League South Division.

His first goal of the season came in the match against Brentford at the end of August. Dai scored in the second minute of stoppage time to help the Hammers secure a 5-4 victory. After completing his official signing, the Buckinghamshire-born player hopes to continue improving.

Dai turned 17 on Saturday and said: “I’m really excited to sign my first professional contract. When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a professional player, and today that dream has finally come true!”

“So far, I have really enjoyed my time at West Ham United. I feel everything along the way has brought me to where I am now. I was also very happy at Tottenham, but I felt I might need to make a change. I’m glad I made this decision because everything and everyone here has been very welcoming.”

“This summer has been very good, and I’m very pleased with my performances in pre-season. Everything has also gone well so far this season. Of course, scoring against Brentford was a very special moment.”

“Now I just want to keep moving forward. Getting a professional contract was one of my goals, and now that I have achieved it, I want to keep scoring more goals. I will do everything I can to continue improving myself and helping the team.”

Born in Wrexham, Dai initially played grassroots football for local club Burnham Youth before being selected by Tottenham at the age of seven, where he spent nine years.

Known for his finishing ability and offside-breaking runs, Dai said his family helped him get to where he is today. He was also delighted that his family could be with him when he signed at the Rush Green training ground.

“My dad was definitely the person who introduced me to football,” he continued. “We would go out every weekend to practise and improve my skills, and those times were really enjoyable.”

“My whole family has helped me a lot. They have been with me through the ups and downs, and without them I would not be where I am today. Standing here with them is very special, and we all know these efforts and sacrifices have been worthwhile.”

“But I also know there is still a lot of work ahead, and that motivates me. I really want to continue repaying them and make them proud of me.”

Also attending Dai’s signing ceremony was academy manager Kenny Brown, who has been very pleased with the youngster’s performances at West Ham since he joined from the other side of London.

Brown has been impressed by Dai’s attitude, application and physical qualities, and he looks forward to continuing to witness his development during the remainder of this season and beyond.

Brown said: “Frankie obviously joined last season, but from day one he has been excellent. He has a great personality, everyone likes him, and he has integrated into the team very well.”

“His performances on the pitch have also been excellent, which is always pleasing. He is full of energy and enthusiasm. Looking at his manner and character, I would say he is a very typical West Ham player.”

“He is a natural goalscorer and has always been scoring goals. Whatever the scoreline is, you know you will see the same Frankie. Having players like this gives everyone more motivation.”

“He has now secured his professional contract and gained more stability. The next year will be important for him. He can see his pathway of progression at West Ham United, and he just needs to maintain his current form. I’m really looking forward to seeing him continue to grow.”

Everyone at West Ham United congratulates Frankie Dai on signing his first professional contract and wishes him a successful future at West Ham.