Leyton Orient have made their first signing of the January transfer window in West Ham academy graduate Dan Kemp on a two-and-a-half year contract.
The signing brings an end to Kemp’s loan spell at Blackpool – who he joined on loan this September – he contributed two goals and three assists in fifteen appearances for the Tangerines.
He will take the No.15 shirt and is available to make his debut against Morecambe on Saturday.
O’s manager Ross Embleton’s track record of developing young players was key to Kemp signing for the club.
“I’m delighted to be here. It is a great club. I can’t wait to get going. The manager is a massive part of me joining. His philosophy is exciting and his reputation of developing young players is something that attracted me.” Said Kemp.
The attacking midfielder described himself as a player who “creates chances” and “works hard for the team.”
“I’m an exciting player,” said Kemp. “I love to get on the ball and makes things happen. I want to score goals and create chances but I’m also an honest player that works hard for the team.”
Orient head coach Ross Embleton revealed that the club have been pursuing Kemp for the last couple of transfer windows.
“I’m delighted. There’s been a couple of windows where we’ve looked to take him on loan but it hasn’t materialised. He’s a player we have been aware of a very long time. I’m over the moon to have secured someone of his quality.” Said Embleton.
Kemp, 22, joined Chelsea‘s academy at the age of six, upon his release from Chelsea, he joined up with the Hammers Academy in November 2015 and after impressing his initial one-year scholarship was turned into a three-year contract in July 2016.
Kemp has also been capped by England at U19 and U20 levels. Kemp was part of the West Ham U21 squad that won the Premier League Cup in May 2016.
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