West Ham United youngster Josh Ajala grabbed the headlines in this week’s National League Cup semi-final — and now looks set to put pen to paper on a new contract.
Down to ten men and approaching the end of the game, Ajala produced two moments of brilliance to seal West Ham Under-21s’ place in the final against Boreham Wood FC.
The Hollywood-style timing of those goals inevitably put extra focus on Ajala’s contractual situation — not helped by Fabrizio Romano claiming the youngster was on the cusp of leaving.
Ajala celebrates after scoring against Tamworth
New Deal Agreed After Romano Exit Claim
However, as broken yesterday by Sean on Claret & Hugh, the club have already verbally agreed fresh terms, and Ajala is now expected to sign within the next couple of days.
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After recently losing highly rated Academy prospect Emeka Adiele to FC Utrecht, West Ham could ill afford to see another talented youngster walk away — especially one now associated with such a feelgood moment.
And with the Academy continuing to punch well above its weight compared to the senior side, tying Ajala down feels like an important piece of business.