Josh Ajala was one of the West Ham United Under-21 stars who defeated Tamworth 3-1 in the National League Cup semi-finals. Ajala scored twice in the game, which took his tally up to four in five games in the competition.
Ajala has been prolific for the Under-21s this season, scoring 10 goals, with one assist in 18 games in all competitions. He even made the bench for the first team in the FA Cup victory over Burton Albion. Unfortunately, he did not get on the pitch in that tie as the Hammers scraped past the League One side after extra-time.
The player's future at West Ham has been uncertain recently. The transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, posted on X in January that "Ajala, now in talks with clubs in France and Germany as current contract expires in June. 19 year old talent can sign pre-contract soon as he’s expected to leave West Ham."
The Hammers will now be keen to tie Ajala down after his impressive form in the National League Cup. The fanpage, Claret and Hugh, quoted a West Ham insider saying, "He’s verbally accepted a deal from us, let’s see what the next week brings."
Who is the new West Ham star, Josh Ajala?
Ajala is a striker who has been with the Hammers since joining from Chelsea in 2023. In total, he has scored 21 goals with two assists in 52 games for West Ham's Under-21s. However, he is yet to get on the pitch for the first team.
The center-forward has also represented England at the Under-20 and Under-19 levels. Whilst he is also eligible to play for Nigeria.