Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Declan Carr

Fri 13 March 2026 16:10, UK

West Ham United talent Josh Ajala’s rise to stardom has taken another step forward after a new announcement.

The Hammers announced last week that the 19-year-old had signed a new contract that will keep him at the London Stadium until 2028.

Now, the Irons have revealed that the Under-21’s star has been named as the Premier League 2 Player of the Month for February.

West Ham’s future may be bright if Ajala can develop into the player that many believe he will be in East London.

Why is Ajala’s reputation set for huge boost?

Ajala’s hype is set to skyrocket at West Ham, after the latest announcement from the E20 club, as his form is continuing to put him on supporters’ radar.

Now that he was recognised for it, it will only increase his reputation among Hammers supporters and outside of the club.

Luckily, the Irons have tied him down to fresh terms, so any interested clubs will have to watch from afar, rather than making an approach.

Why West Ham starlet Ajala must be on Nuno’s radar

Surely he has to be on Nuno Espirito Santo’s radar soon, to make his first-team bow for the club that he signed for in 2023.

Ajala scored two goals and registered three assists in four PL2 matches in February, and that was enough to secure the award.

His overall tally for the season stands at 11 goals and three assists in 21 matches, and the senior manager surely has taken notice.

He is a winger or striker who is eligible to feature for either England or Nigeria, and could be a vital asset to Nuno in the relegation battle.

His side needs a dynamic presence who can help contribute, and Ajala’s fearlessness that comes with his young age, could provide something different, that can help keep the side in the top-flight.

Whether the Portuguese manager is brave enough to call upon an academy talent in such a crucial period of the season, remains to be seen, but iy may be worth his while, given the form that has been shown at youth level.

If not, Ajala may have to wait until next season, but the supporters will be keen to see him breakthrough as soon as possible.