West Ham sign talented striker Josh Landers from Hibernian

West Ham United have completed the first signing of the Graham Potter era amid the club’s relentless search for a striker.

According to the Evening Standard, the Hammers have completed the signing of highly-rated teenage striker Josh Landers from Hibernian.

The 17-year-old has been on trial at the club’s Rush Green training ground in Dagenham and has now agreed a permanent move to the East London club.

Landers, who turns 18 next month, will initially join the Hammers’ academy rather than the first-team squad as he continues his development.

A former Scotland Under-16 international, Landers made his debut at that level against England and has been impressing with Hibernian’s U19 side.

Landers has already had a taste of senior football.

He made three competitive appearances for Hibs’ first team, including two in the Scottish Premiership, after signing his first professional contract in August 2023.

Having been part of Hibernian’s academy since the age of 10, his move to West Ham marks the next big step in his career.

The signing comes as West Ham restructure their recruitment strategy under new transfer chief Kyle Macaulay.

Macaulay joined West Ham from Chelsea last week, reuniting with manager Graham Potter and reigniting their decade-long relationship.

West Ham need to focus on strengthening the first team

So far, West Ham have had a quiet January transfer window.

Their only major move has been terminating Maxwel Cornet’s loan at Southampton to facilitate a switch to Italian club Genoa for the rest of the season.

The Hammers need to focus on strengthening the first team for the second half of the season.

Potter continues to manage the squad with Danny Ings as the only fit out-and-out striker following injuries to Michail Antonio, Niclas Fullkrug, and Jarrod Bowen.

The club has prioritised a move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson but have yet to submit a formal offer.

They’ve already had bids for Jhon Duran and Ricardo Pepi rejected, although they could return with a second offer for the United States striker.

Stats from Transfermarkt