Elisha Sowunmi and Emeke Adiele both left West Ham United in the final days of the winter transfer window, but another exit-linked Hammers starlet would put the rumours firmly in the rearview mirror on deadline day.
Despite going from strength to strength with Greg Lincoln’s Under-21s, Emeke Adiele felt joining Utrecht was ‘the best choice’ for his career.
After providing 15 goals or assists in just 20 games this season, Adiele snubbed Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in favour of a club where regular first-team minutes should prove far more attainable.
A worrying development as another Hammers starlet leaves! 😟
Why do YOU think Adiele and Sowunmi both departed? What needs to CHANGE?
Emeka Adiele of West Ham United looks on during the warm up prior to the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Reading and West Ham United U21 at Select Car Leasing Stadium on August 20, 2024 in Reading, England.
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Whether the same can be said for another teenager who made a much shorter journey – Elisha Sowunmi swapped the Hammers for rivals Tottenham on Friday – remains to be seen.
But the fact that two of the most exciting members of his current youth-team crop felt their development would be better served elsewhere is undoubtedly a concern.
Nuno has given chances to Mohamadou Kante and Ezra Mayers, while Airidas Golambeckis and Finlay Herrick train often with the first-team. However, as Sowunmi and Adiele follow Divin Mubama, Jamal Baptiste, Sonny Perkins and co out the door, one has to wonder what is causing an apparent talent drain at Under-21 level.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Josh Ajala has held talks with French and German clubs as well. With his contract expiring in the summer, the striker may well be on his way pretty soon.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Josh Ajala stays at West Ham United for now and scores against Middlesbrough
Josh Ajala during Reading v West Ham United U21 - Bristol Street Motors Trophy
Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images
For now, Ajala remains a key part of Lincoln’s plans.
The 19-year-old scored one and set up another as West Ham played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough on Monday evening. Whatever his future holds, Ajala clearly prefers to let his football do the talking.
Joining from Chelsea in 2023, Ajala scored a staggering 40 goals in his first two seasons with West Ham. It was his brace which secured Under-18 Premier League Cup glory against Reading in May; assisted by Sowunmi on both occasions.
With five goal contributions in his last four Premier League 2 appearances, meanwhile, Ajala is starting to really make his mark with the Under-21s. He has found the net eight times in 16 games now since stepping up to a new age-group.
Comment with your rating 👇
I'm not going to lie, I'm underwhelmed…
A graphic asking fans to grade West Ham's transfer window from A* to D.
Credit: Getty Images/Rob Newell – CameraSport
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
“If I had to rate last season out of ten, I’d probably give it an eight,” a satisfied Ajala told the official West Ham website in August.
“I made my youth international debut for England, won a trophy, and was top goalscorer for both teams [Under-18s and Under-21s combined]. But there’s still more that can happen!
“For any Academy player, training more with the first team is an important step. Hopefully, I can make my first-team debut and try and score for the first-team.
“I just want to be involved with the first-team, I want to play with them. It’s all about playing at the highest level you can possibly play.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox