West Ham United’s academy director and head of player coaching and development Terry Westley has claimed that manager Slaven Bilic convinced Domingos Quina to join the Hammers.
The Irons confirmed the signing of the 16-year-old Portuguese forward on Wednesday on a two-year scholarship basis.
Quina, who was part of the Portugal Under-17s side that claimed the UEFA European Under-17 competition, will join up with the London based side in July.
West Ham had to fend off competition from Arsenal and Manchester United in order to seal the services of the youngster, who plied his trade with Benfica previously.
Born in the west African country of Guinea-Bissau, Quina moved to Portugal as a child and is still subject to international clearance but has agreed to pen a professional contract on his 17th birthday in November later this year.
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Westley has admitted that Bilic played a key role when it came to persuading Quina to join the club.
He was quoted as saying by the West Ham official website: “Domingos is an exciting young player and he has seen that we can help him to develop and make the most of his many talents at West Ham United.
“He wants to come on our journey the same as the likes of Martin Samuelsen, Reece Oxford and Reece Burke see their futures here.
“Slaven Bilic personally met with Domingos during the time he spent training with us and his interest in the player and the discussion they had undoubtedly helped to persuade him that West Ham was the right place to continue his development.
“This is a big signing for the academy and for West Ham United.”
