West Ham United ‘goalkeeper secures loan switch: View

West Ham United’s Academy goalkeeper Krisztián Hegyi has agreed to spend the 2024/25 season on loan with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell.

The 21-year-old Hungarian joined the Hammers in 2022 and has previously spent time on loan with EFL League One side Stevenage and Dutch Eerste Divisie club Den Bosch.

But it is in Scotland that the next stage of his development programme will be spent, after he agreed to join the Fir Park-based side for the coming campaign.

“I’m really excited about the chance to join Motherwell on loan,” Hegyi told West Ham’s website. “It’s an opportunity to play in a big league, in some big stadiums, and I can’t wait to get on the pitch now and continue working hard.”

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell was equally delighted to land his man. “I’m pleased he has been able to join up with his new teammates and spend time with his new teammates,” he said. “It can be tricky to recruit new ‘keepers for a number of reasons, but Krisztián brings quality and lots of potential.

“We now have two strong keepers at the club that can fight it out for that spot on the pitch come the start of the season. Krisztián has shown he has ability and with him only being 21, it’s clear he can still grow and this is the perfect environment for him to do that.”

In addition to securing the loan deal, Hegyi has extended his contract with West Ham. He is now contracted to the club until the summer of 2027, with an option for an additional year should both parties agree.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract with West Ham,” he continued. “It’s been a long time since I arrived here as a kid, but London is like home for me now.

“I feel I’m progressing with every single season, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds. It’s great to know that the staff at West Ham believe in me.

“It’s a stable place for me where I’m always happy and I’m confident I can continue developing in a really positive way while I’m at the club.

“The staff stayed in touch with me throughout my loans last season, and [goalkeeper coach] Xavi [Valero] was even coaching me over the phone. They really supported me, and I did my best to take on the advice they gave me.”