West Ham sign Diego Poyet: Charlton midfielder completes transfer to Premier League side
The son of Gus Poyet was named the Addicks' player of the season last term
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Your support makes all the difference.West Ham have announced the signing of former Charlton midfielder Diego Poyet after the two clubs agreed a compensation package for the teenager.
The 19-year-old, son of Sunderland manager Gus Poyet, was named the Addicks' player of the year last season but departed at the end of his contract and has now penned an initial four-year deal at Upton Park.
Poyet has been capped at England under-17 level and becomes Hammers' boss Sam Allardyce's fourth summer signing following the acquisitions of striker Mauro Zarate, Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate and full-back Aaron Cresswell.
It remains to be seen if Poyet will go straight into West Ham's first-team squad but he has linked up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp in France and is looking forward to trying to make a name for himself in the Barclays Premier League.
"It's massive to come to a Premier League club," he told West Ham's official website.
"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."
Having burst onto the scene at The Valley last year, Poyet is targeting a similar achievement with the Hammers ahead of the forthcoming season - with the prospect of nailing down a first-team berth his main goal.
"I played quite a few games last season with Charlton and I just want to push on now," he added.
"Like any young player, the first thing you want to do is get into the first team. I need to show the staff, players and the gaffer what I'm capable of doing and maybe pushing my way in.
"West Ham is a great club with a lot of tradition, moving to a new stadium and everything, it was a no-brainer for me because you never know if you're going to get that kind of chance again."
PA
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