West Ham could be set to lose a youngsterplaceholder image
West Ham could be set to lose a youngster | Getty Images
West Ham are said to be set to lose a youngster who has been in good form at youth level.
West Ham are set to lose one of their best up and coming talents, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Hammers are in an uncertain situation as they battle against relegation, currently three points behind Nottingham Forest in the final safety spot.
The Iron have picked up significantly over recent weeks, winning 10 points from the last 15 available, but having started from a deep hole, that form has only given them the opportunity to catch Forest, and perhaps others.
That is an opportunity West Ham still need to grasp, and they will only be able to do it with very consistent form between now and the end of the season. The Hammers also have a tough run of fixtures over the coming weeks, and so their safety credentials will be tested.
In the meantime, West Ham must attempt to plan for the summer, and they do not yet know which of the top two divisions they will be in. Either way, it seems the Hammers will find it hard to keep hold of one of their brightest young talents, who may believe the grass is greener elsewhere.
Josh Ajala, a 19-year-old striker, has been impressing at youth level, and he has also represented England under-20s. Ajala has scored 10 goals and assisted once in 18 games across all competitions at youth level this season, and he has attracted attention from abroad. Ajala also featured on the West Ham bench in the FA Cup over the weekend, but he was not brought on.
Ajala’s contract is up this summer, and as things stand, he will leave the London Stadium, with Fabrizio Romano reporting: “West Ham talent Josh 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.”
That will be disappointing news for West Ham fans, who will have been hoping to see Ajala progress towards the first team, and there may even be a greater opportunity if the Hammers do drop down to the Championship. This will be one to keep an eye on to see if West Ham do change their mind and offer a new deal.
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