Jeff Stelling lauds West Ham loanee Oladapo Afolayan after he fires Bolton to promotion
A couple of Sky Sports pundits were left hailing West Ham loanee Oladapo Afolayan after he helped to inspire Bolton Wanderers to promotion on Saturday.
The 23-year-old joined the League Two side on loan in February and made a significant contribution as they battled against the odds to secure third spot and promotion into League One.
He scored his first Bolton goal in the 4-1 win over Crawley Town on Saturday afternoon that confirmed their third-tier status next season.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday [17:00, 08/05/21] Jeff Stelling and Clinton Morrison waxed lyrical about Afolayan.
Morrison talked Stelling through his vital goal, “Afolayan at the back post three yards out, I don’t know where the defenders are, they’re all looking at each other, it’s crazy.
“He was a handful.
Stelling replied: “Bolton have got some players on loan, some big names, Afolyan for example is on loan from West Ham, they’re not going to be keeping him certainly.”
Morrison: “Afolyan isn’t going to go back to West Ham and play regularly so maybe another season on loan in League One with Bolton will do him well, because he’s had a good season in League Two.”
Contract clock is ticking
The one thing Stelling and Morrison seemed blissfully unaware of is Afolayan’s contract situation.
His Irons deal expires in June [Transfermarkt] so the ball is firmly in the player’s court as to what his next destination will be.
Given he turns 24 later this year it seems unlikely he has a future at the London Stadium anyway.
He actually scored in his one and only West Ham outing back in January, during a 4-0 FA Cup win over Doncaster Rovers.
He looks to have really caught fire on loan at Bolton, despite a lack of goals, with his direct running and pace tormenting League Two defences.
Whether that could translate to the Premier League is doubtful, however.
But the fact we’re set to lose him for nothing in the summer is a blow given he could have fetched a fee after some scintillating performances for Bolton.
In other West Ham news, ‘Incredible’ West Ham ace claims only ‘Crazy’ events would reverse Irons exit.
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