West Ham Secure Key Academy Talent
Claret & Hugh have been told by a West Ham United insider that academy prospect Josh Ajala has signed a new contract with the club — providing a timely boost for the Hammers’ youth setup.
In a late-night conversation with someone working at the club’s training ground, it was revealed there had been genuine concern that the talented young attacker might slip through the net.
The West Ham academy has endured a frustrating period recently, losing several promising youngsters to rival clubs, and there had been nerves internally that Ajala could follow the same path.
One source explained the situation frankly.
“We’ve actually lost quite a few at the younger levels. One club in particular seems to try and hoover up a lot of young talent, so we’re buzzing Josh is staying.”
Claret & Hugh reported two weeks ago that the deal was expected to be completed, with a top West Ham source telling us at the time: “The deal has already been agreed.”
The confirmation now comes as a significant lift for the Hammers academy.
Ajala Showing Why West Ham Rate Him Highly
The academy has been reeling since 18-year-old Emeka Adiele joined FC Utrecht on a permanent transfer back in February, making Ajala’s commitment to West Ham even more important.
The young forward has already begun to catch the eye within the club’s development system.
Ajala received his first taste of senior involvement earlier this year when he was named in the West Ham matchday squad for the FA Cup fourth round tie away at Burton Albion. While he did not feature on the pitch that day, it was a clear signal of how highly he is rated within the club.
Josh Ajala’s two goals in stoppage time sealed a remarkable u21’s semi final triumph
Just three days later he demonstrated exactly why, scoring two dramatic stoppage-time goals to send West Ham’s Under-21s through to the National League Cup final at Boreham Wood.
Speaking afterwards, the youngster admitted the experience of being around the first team had been special.
“Being on the bench for the first team is a great experience,” Ajala said.
“It’s just a step closer to making my debut, which is something I’ve dreamed of since I was very young.”
For West Ham, succeeding in the behind-the-scenes battle to keep hold of one of our brightest academy prospects feels like a win in itself.
No way near as successful as Callum Marshall was at that level so we shouldn’t get carried away.