Liam West extends contract

Liam West has signed a new long-term contract with F.C. Copenhagen.
 
The Norway U19 international was promoted to the first-team squad in the summer, and now West has signed a new contract.
 
F.C. Copenhagen's sporting director, Sune Smith-Nielsen, says of extension: "Liam has made a positive impression in the first half of the year in the first-team squad.
 
"He has moved between the first team and the U19 team in terms of matches, where he has taken the right steps and is quietly working his way into his senior career.
 
"Liam made his debut in the Danish Cup, where he showed some of his qualities in the form of both speed and good technique, and he got an assist. We look forward to seeing Liam take the next steps and continue his positive development at the club."
 
Importance of long-term contract
Sune also emphasises the importance of long-term contracts for young players, adding: “It is strategically important for us to agree long-term contracts with our talented young players. It supports the patience that is often necessary to succeed and eventually become a key player in the F.C. Copenhagen first team.”
 
Confidence and peace
West, now 18, moved to F.C. Copenhagen from Fredrikstad FK in January 2024 and is pleased with the extension.
 
“I am happy with the extension of the contract, which gives me the confidence and peace of mind to continue taking the right steps for the future," he says.
 
“You are always eager for the next steps, but I also know that patience is an important factor in football, and it is really about working hard every day on the training pitch and showing that you have what it takes in the future.
 
Exciting and tough period
“The first six months have been incredibly exciting, but it has also certainly been tough. It has been a transition period where I have had to get used to training with higher intensity and more often than before.
 
“At the same time, I have had to adjust to the fact that the majority of my playing minutes have been with others than those I have trained with, and that also requires mental learning, which is positive for me to go through."

Liam West played 11 matches for U19 in the autumn season, while training with the A-team on a daily basis. 
 
New shirt number
With the extension of the agreement, West will also change his shirt number to 26.

West played 11 matches for FCK U19s in the autumn, with four of those appearances in the UEFA Youth League, while training on a daily basis with the first team.