David Moyes could face fan unrest at West Ham United after Divin Mubama news in last 48 hours, Daniel Kretinsky could intervene
David Moyes could yet face more unrelenting pressure from the West Ham United faithful after some discouraging news regarding academy wonder Divin Mubama’s immediate future emerged this week.
The Athletic journalist, Roshane Thomas shared on his personal Twitter account on Monday 30 October that the young striker has rejected a contract extension at the London Stadium.
Mubama does not have the option to extend his deal at the club but discussions remain ongoing in order to change his mind.
It’s believed that Mubama had interest from six unnamed Championship clubs in the summer but with West Ham failing to sign a striker, they decided to keep him in Moyes’ squad for this season.
Thomas posted: “Exclusive: Divin Mubama has turned down a contract extension at West Ham.
“The forward is entering the final year of his deal, which does not include a one-year option.
“Discussions remain ongoing and the club hope Mubama will change his mind.”
There will be no prizes for guessing as to why Mubama has made his decision and that’s certainly down to his lack of opportunities at the club.
The England Under-19 forward is yet to feature in the league and was not in the matchday squad for the 1-0 loss to Everton on Saturday — only playing 24 minutes of first-team football this season under Moyes so far.
If the Hammers somehow hope to change his mind about moving then they’ve simply got to give him opportunities or face the prospect of losing such another burgeoning young youth talent.
And that could lead to some unrelenting unrest from the Hammers faithful given the amount of youth talents they’ve lost already over the past year.
Moyes is under pressure already after three consecutive defeats coupled with his tactics and the decline of certainly key stars under his stewardship but failing to secure Mubama’s future could well tip the West Ham United faithful over the edge.
Should the Hammers find some sort of resolution with Mubama that may have to involve some first-team guarantees but also the assurances of chairman Daniel Kretinsky who already intervened in another contract situation at the London Stadium after approving Tomas Soucek’s new deal after a recent stand-off (TEAMtalk, 9 September).
The 19-year-old is highly-regarded within the club and amongst fans given his rampant performances with the youth setup in recent seasons, scoring 13 goals in 20 Premier League 2 games last season [Transfermarkt] and even bagging a goal for the first-team during their Europa Conference League triumphant run.
Mubama is certainly ready for first-team football at the London Stadium but Moyes’ stubbornness and baffling loyalty to a struggling Michail Antonio is hurting the club’s progression and ultimately their chances of keeping one of their most gifted youth stars since Declan Rice.
With the likes of Antonio and Danny Ings struggling for form right now, it’s time Moyes continues the famous tradition at the club by taking a risk on the young forward by handing him precious opportunities. Kretinsky could demand it too.
In other West Ham news, one Hammers star was anonymous again v Everton, Moyes has a crucial decision to make or face an unfortunate sack decision.