David Moyes urges Divin Mubama to stay at West Ham United with ‘big mistakes’ warning
David Moyes has warned West Ham striker Divin Mubama of repeating “big mistakes” made by other young players who have left the club, as the 19-year-old negotiates his future at the London Stadium.
Mubama, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has so far rejected the club’s long-term proposals to remain at the London Stadium.
He has struggled for minutes so far this season after bursting onto the scene last year, scoring his first senior goal for the club last March.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, the Scot told the media, “Divin was offered a contract 12 months ago but he’s the one not agreeing to sign a contract,” (via Evening Standard, 11 November).
“We really like Divin, he’s an East End boy and a West Ham supporter, a great lad, we love him to bits. I feel the best thing for Divin is to sign a contract at West Ham.
“There’s a few who left here and made big mistakes. If they are not careful they can get bad information about what they are doing and how their career path should go.”
Crunch time
Mubama is one of the club’s most talented youngsters and was a key part of the side that won last year’s FA Youth Cup. Keeping him at the London Stadium would be a huge boost for the club.
However, with just a matter of months until his contract is up, time is running out and the east London outfit should be making negotiations a priority.
Moyes is right to urge Mubama to stay put. While the offer of more immediate minutes elsewhere might be tempting, the striker can look towards someone such as Declan Rice as an example that there will be development opportunities for him at West Ham.
Plenty of academy talents have left the club in recent years, and West Ham supporters will hope Mubama is not another one of those.
Words are one thing, however, perhaps Moyes should offer Mubama more minutes on the pitch if he wants him to stay. After all, considering the recent form of Michail Antonio, there is no reason why the youngster doesn’t deserve a shot.
In other West Ham news, an update has been provided in regard to West Ham’s January transfer plans.