West Ham United women have announced that Soraya Walsh has put pen to paper on her first professional contract in East London.

The Irons confirmed in an official statement on their website on Monday (15 July) that the 18-year-old had put pen to paper on a long-term deal this summer as she looks to continue her development with the Irons.

Walsh, who joined the Hammers from Charlton Athletic in 2022 after an impressive trial, spent last season on loan with Billericay Town and Rehanne Skinner is pleased to have the midfielder tied down on professional terms.

As quoted by West Ham, she said: “I’m delighted that Soraya has signed her first professional contract with West Ham. For any young player, signing their first professional contract is a massive achievement and a very proud moment, not just for them but for their family too.

“Having the opportunity to spend last season in a hybrid training programme with the first team at Chadwell Heath, whilst also playing for Billericay Town, has aided Soraya’s development and I’m sure there is plenty more to come in the years ahead.”

Are West Ham United Women close to any new signings?

While most West Ham supporters will be crying out for some new first-team incomings, it is good to see the Hammers getting their house in order behind the scenes as they continue to build for the future.

Walsh may not be ready to immediately step into the fold as a first-team player, but she has bags of potential and should she continue to develop as expected, she could be a regular in Skinner’s side in the future.

Another loan switch could help her development this term and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see her drop a division or two to play regular first-team football once again following her loan stint with Billericay last season.

Now that a few young stars have been tied down to new deals, it would be good to see anther couple of first-team additions made as the start of the season draws closer, especially after the Irons missed out on Hannah Poulter.