It is always unfortunate to see young players released, but West Ham’s decision not to renew Moses Makasi’s contract has come as a shock.
He had impressed during loan spells with Stevenage and Plymouth Argyle, which indicated he could have gone a step higher.
The holding midfielder has also been a standout performer on numerous occasions while representing the club’s U23 squad in the development leagues and Checkatrade trophy – he has also been captain at that level.
He is efficient defensively, has the physical stature to hold his own at senior level and is able to carry the ball.
Having done so well it can be argued he had earned more time to break through, though at 23-years-old the club must have felt he hadn’t progressed enough to earn another contract.
That this is the case shows the competition between young midfielders at the club with the likes of Josh Cullen and Conor Coventry fighting to eventually partner fellow academy graduate Declan Rice at the base of the Hammers’ midfield. Makasi wasn’t believed to be good enough to make the step up, but his departure hints that there is enough quality and competition coming through the Academy, which is healthy and great to see.
Makasi made the West Ham bench seven times, but frustratingly he never stepped onto the pitch for the first team.
There will likely be a number of teams in the Football League lining up to secure his signature this summer.
