The West Ham Starlet That Could Make FA Cup Debut

Now Sebastien Haller has been sold the race to sign a replacement is underway but could the answer be in West Ham’s academy?

With changes expected ahead of their FA Cup Third Round tie with Stockport County, West Ham could turn to 18-year-old Mipo Odubeko. The youngster has been training with the first-team this season and could make his first-team debut on Monday.

"“I’m a goalscorer, I’m quick, and I work hard for my team. I always set high expectations for myself, so I’m looking to score a lot of goals for West Ham”. Odubeko, WHUFC Website."

Odubeko, who has been capped for the Republic of Ireland at u17 level, signed for West Ham from Manchester United in 2019 after impressing in his youth days. The highly coveted youngster scored on his debut for the Red Devils U18’s, shortly before his switch to East London.

This season, the 18-year-old has impressed, hitting two goals in West Ham U23’s 3-1 win over Southend United in the EFL Trophy and claiming ‘West Ham’s September Goal of the Month Award’ for the pick of those strikes.

"“The shot…showed the confidence and self-belief [Odubeko] has. To shoot that early into a match from that range, with the precision and that velocity…was exceptional.”Adam Smith, GreenStreetHammers."

"“Mipo signing for West Ham is another really positive story for the Academy. He is a promising player we are looking forward to working with and this move is a great opportunity for him to join us and continue his journey.“It will naturally take Mipo some time to settle in, but we believe West Ham is the perfect environment for Mipo to flourish and fulfil his undoubted potential”. Academy Manager Ricky Martin"

Early season form saw the youngster train with the first-team, with many reporting that Odubeko would have made his first-team debut in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup – had he not picked up an injury.

With, the Hammers facing a National League side in the FA Cup Third Round, Odubeko could be handed a first-team debut – after returning to full fitness, and training with first-team for the past couple of weeks.

"“I’ve just got to take it game-by-game – you can’t get too low, and you can’t get too high. I’ve just got to concentrate on the next game and take every challenge as it comes.”Odubeko, WHUFC Website."

Reports from the Academy show Odubeko to be intelligent, pacey and a decent finisher with both his left and right feet. He is backed to be the real deal in the future and on Monday –  if given the chance to impress.