What Emmanuel Fejokwu has said on West Ham exit as transfer race now on
Emmanuel Fejokwu is leaving West Ham United after "nine wonderful years".
The 16-year-old has been highly regarded by many inside the Academy of Football throughout his time with West Ham.
A centre-back by trade who can also operate as a full-back, he's a defender clearly equipped with the tools to go far in his career.
Fejokwu has represented both England and the Netherlands at youth international level, and has also featured for West Ham at Under-21 level despite his tender age.
However, due to him not turning 17 until next April, the Hammers have been unable to present him with a professional contract.
As a result, Fejokwu will now surely be snapped up by another top academy side in no time.
What Emmanuel Fejokwu is taking from his West Ham experience
Saying goodbye is never easy, and for a young player who has spent the majority of his childhood representing West Ham, that will certainly ring true for Fejokwu.
He's given the best part of a decade of his life to developing through the Hammers' youth system, and as he's said himself, being here has helped shaped his development both on and off the pitch.
Writing to his official Instagram account on Tuesday evening, Fejokwu released an emotional statement confirming his West Ham exit.
"After nine wonderful years West Ham, it's time to say goodbye," he wrote.
"From starting out at U9 all the way through to U16, this club has been such a huge part of my life, shaping me not just as a footballer, but as a person too.
"I’ve shared so many moments, the highs, the lows, the wins, the lessons, and everything in between, both on the pitch and off it.
"A massive thank you to every teammate I’ve played alongside the memories we’ve made will stay with me forever.
"To all the coaches and staff, thank you for everything, I wish the club all the best success in the future."
Where Fejokwu might be heading next
Given his versatility and international pedigree, Fejokwu is not going to be short of suitors this summer.
Indeed, he's already seemingly besotted by transfer chiefs across European football.
A report from The Talent Hunter back in December last year claimed that Ajax, Utrecht, PSV, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Club Brugge, Copenhagen and Bayer Leverkusen were all monitoring his situation at West Ham.
Moves to any one of those clubs would provide Fejokwu with a massive opportunity to reach eventual stardom in a top European league, and shows just how highly he's thought of across the continent.
It's a fascinating list of teams to choose from; does he join a fabled academy system such as Ajax or either of the two Milan teams? Or, might he opt for a potentially more likely route to first-team football with an Utrecht or Copenhagen?
Either way, West Ham fans will sure to be keeping a close eye on his progress over the coming years, as he might just be one that got away from the London Stadium.