Manchester City are set to secure the signing of former West Ham United sensation Jamal Baptiste.
According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Premier League champions Manchester City are set to land former West Ham United starlet Jamal Baptiste in the summer transfer window.
The 19-year-old had been with the Hammer since the age of eight, signing his first professional contact with the club in 2020. He made the senior bow for West Ham in 2021 in the 4-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup.
Baptiste’s contract at the London Stadium expired this summer, and he is now seeking senior football elsewhere. Manchester City are now close to securing his signature and adding another talented young player to their ranks.
Landing a talented young player such as Baptiste for free is a solid move for Manchester City despite their riches. With an agreement close, a medical is up next with the contract signing to follow soon afterwards.
Excl: Manchester City are on verge of agreeing deal to sign former West Ham centre back Jamal Baptiste, born in 2003 — here we go 🔵✨ #MCFC
Baptiste will join on free transfer, been told medical and contract signing soon.
City project’s to develop best youngsters in Europe. pic.twitter.com/OsN6eEeR0w
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2023
A centre-back, he will bolster Pep Guardiola’s options at the back in the playing roster. While it is debatable if he will get more senior opportunities at The Etihad rather than West Ham, Guardiola and co. will certainly provide him with better facilities to fulfil his potential.
Securing Baptiste for free adds to Manchester City’s impressive youth roster. The treble winners are keen to build a robust youth academy and bringing in top young talent will make that task easier.
The youngster suffers from Guillain-Barre syndrome and was treated by the West Ham owner’s private physician while at West Ham. Hopefully, the worst is behind the 19-year-old as he embarks upon a new chapter in his career. West Ham will have every reason to be displeased for losing out on one of England’s best talents.
Losing him for free will sting further, but such is the way of the modern game today. Baptiste is well experienced in the youth ranks and reserves, making him a solid prospect for Manchester City to develop. Whether he will get his opportunities in the cup competitions this season ahead of a larger role in the years to come remains to be seen.
