West Ham becomes first Premiership club to sign its own esports star

West Ham has signed an official esports player - making it the first team in the Premiership to do so.

Sean "Dragonn" Allen, 24, officially joined the Hammers today, when he was given the squad number of 50.

Allen, who regularly streams FIFA on Twitch, will make his West Ham-backed debut tomorrow at the Gfinity Arena in Fulham, where he will compete in this weekend's Play Like A Legend Grand Final.

"I am delighted to be joining West Ham United as their official e-sports player," Allen said in a statement released by his new club.

"This is a massive move forward for me. I have been playing competitive FIFA for a very long time and this is the biggest thing ever to happen to me. West Ham has had an astonishing season in the Premier League with Europe looking very likely for next season. I will be doing my very best in FIFA tournaments all around the world to emulate their success."

Hammers manager Slaven Bilic said he had "heard Sean is a big player in the esports arena".

"I am delighted that we have managed to secure his services," Bilic added. "I hope he can now go on to represent the club with pride across the globe - he will certainly have the support of all the lads whenever he dons the claret and blue."