Exclusive: West Ham gem Patrick Kelly agrees Doncaster Rovers move
West Ham midfielder Patrick Kelly has agreed to join Doncaster Rovers on loan, sources have told Football Insider.
Multiple clubs have expressed an interest in signing the Northern Ireland Under-19 international, but Doncaster have now won the race for his signature.
Kelly, 19, is highly rated at West Ham and impressed coaches with his displays for the Under-21 side in the Premier League 2 last season.
The midfielder signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract at the London Stadium in January which will take him through to the summer of 2026.
A move on loan to the League Two club is seen as the best move to continue his development with his first taste of senior football.
West Ham agree to send Patrick Kelly on loan to League Two Doncaster Rovers
Kelly joined West Ham in 2022, making the move from Northern Irish Premiership club Coleraine on a three-year professional deal.
He has featured heavily for both the Under-18s and Under-21s since arriving at the London Stadium and was a key part of the FA Youth Cup winning team in 2023.
The 19-year-old has yet to be named in a senior squad at West Ham, but featured in wins against Bristol Rovers, Newport, Cheltenham and Colchester in last season’s EFL Trophy.
His performances in the competition helped the Hammers’ Under-21s side reach the round of 16 before they were defeated by League One side Wycombe Wanderers.
Kelly’s displays against senior sides, as well as in the PL2 last season, attracted interest from a number of clubs across the EFL as West Ham were keen to send him on loan.
Doncaster Rovers enjoyed a shock rise up the table to finish in a playoff place last season, but were defeated by Crewe Alexandra in the semi-final.
Now, they are looking to strengthen their squad in an attempt to carry on their impressive late-season form, with Kelly viewed as a top target.
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