Max Kilman looking concentrated towards a circle inset of the West Ham badge
(Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Thu 2 April 2026 19:10, UK
Rayan Oyebade may not be far away from making his debut at West Ham United.
Primarily due to the risk of relegation facing the Hammers this season, very few of their academy stars have been afforded a chance to showcase their worth.
Mohamadou Kante has the most exposure to senior football and has largely fared well, but even for him, minutes have been limited to say the least.
However, with West Ham’s season slowly coming to an end, Nuno Espirito Santo will be taking note of potential plans for the next campaign, and Oyebade may be part of them.
West Ham relegation table after 30 games
Credit: Breaking Media
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Rayan Oyebade could be West Ham’s next breakthrough star
West Ham’s biggest issues this season have been defensively, with Max Kilman certainly at the heart of them.
The former Wolves star has had yet another dreadful campaign, and as a result, he has not played a minute of Premier League football since the end of January, when he was a late substitute in the defeat to Chelsea.
Premier League 25-26 Kilman
Appearances 21
Duels won 69
Duel win rate 52.3%
Accurate long balls 35.5%
xG against 33.42
Replacing him will be a priority in the summer, but with Oyebade, the Hammers may already have the perfect candidate.
The teenager has thrived in the Premier League 2 this season, with several promising aspects to his game.
His 62.5 per cent dribble success rate showcases his composure on the ball, while his remarkable 72.7 per cent aerial duel win rate showcases his physical strengths.
When could we see Oyebade at West Ham?
Oyebade turns 19 at the end of April, meaning he is approaching the stage in his career where he needs to be playing senior football.
It’s likely that the teenager has had a chance to impress in pre-season, and if he can, then he may find himself in and around the squad next season.
If not, then the Irons must find a suitable loan move for the centre-back, who looks to have a bright future ahead.