Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Josh Edwards

Mon 6 April 2026 18:10, UK

Josh Ajala was an unused substitute as West Ham United exited the FA Cup at the hands of Leeds.

Despite the high risk of relegation from the Premier League, Nuno Espirito Santo named a strong lineup to take on Leeds, but to no avail.

With that said, injuries did hamper his ability to name a strong bench for the clash at the London Stadium, with several youth prospects on it, and many of them were utilised.

However, Ajala was one of three who weren’t, albeit with one of the other two being a goalkeeper.

And after the form Ajala has showcased for the Hammers Under-21’s, he will wonder why he wasn’t given a chance against Leeds.

Josh Ajala’s form deserves to be recognised

Despite having been named in the matchday squad several times this season, Ajala has yet to make his senior debut for West Ham.

And that seems quite genuinely crazy when taking into account just how well he has fared at academy level.

Just over 24 hours before the FA Cup clash, Ajala registered a goal and assist in a 3-2 defeat to Tottenham, taking his total goal and assist tally up to 11 for the season in the Premier League 2.

In fact, only one of the last six games in which Ajala has played the full 90 has he been unable to grab a goal contribution.

That level of quality is rare for a 19-year-old, even at Under-21 level, and it begs the question as to why Nuno opted against using him in the defeat to Leeds.

West Ham’s next steps with Ajala examined

If the teenager can’t get minutes in a 120-minute clash with Leeds when West Ham have several attacking injuries, then it’s probably fair to say that his chance won’t come this season.

And if the Hammers stay in the Premier League, that will lead to some heavy recruitment, which will make it just as unlikely he will get much of a chance next season.

Ajala turns 20 in November, and by that age, he needs to be playing senior football.

All signs point towards a loan exit in the summer, which would be the best move for all parties.