Selin Cemal signs first professional contract with West Ham | OneFootball

Selin Cemal (West Ham United)

Selin Cemal has signed her first professional contract with West Ham United.

The 19-year-old, who has signed a deal until June 2028, joined the club’s Professional Game Academy (PGA) in the summer after time at Arsenal and Chelsea during her junior career.

Since signing for West Ham, she has made four appearances in all competitions, including her Barclays Women’s Super League debut in the Hammers’ 3-1 victory over Everton in November, plus three in the Subway Women’s League Cup.

She has also achieved international recognition, with her first call-up to the Turkiye under-23 squad in November, and the senior squad during the same international break.

Selin Cemal: It’s a special environment here

“This is a really proud moment for me and my family,” Cemal said to the club’s television channel. “It’s any player’s dream to sign a professional contract so it feels incredible to have signed mine with West Ham. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way, and to the club for showing their faith in me.

“It’s amazing how much you can develop at a place like this. It’s a special environment here and everyone brings a lot to the group – it’s a great bunch of girls. I’m surrounded by experienced players that I can learn from, both on and off the pitch, and I feel like I’ve already had a lot of opportunities to improve.

“There’s still so much work I need to do and put in but I want to continue developing as much as I can and being the best version of myself.”

Head coach Rita Guarino, who took over at the club last month, added: “I’m delighted that Selin has signed her first professional contract with us.

“I know that the club are working hard to grow our Professional Game Academy so to see a player progress through our pathway over the last few months, having gained invaluable first-team experience already this season, is really pleasing to see.

“We believe that Selin has a lot of potential and I’m looking forward to supporting her development moving forwards.”