Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

James Barker

Wed 3 June 2026 8:40, UK

Josh Ajala has proven that he’s ready to take the leap from academy football to senior action with West Ham United.

Signed to West Ham’s youth system in November 2023, Ajala has been turning heads in the Academy of Football ever since.

A versatile and pacey forward who can operate anywhere across the forward line, he originally spent his time as a schoolboy with Chelsea before linking up with the Hammers.

Now 19, the England youth international has just banked another hugely impressive 2025-26 campaign for the Under-21s.

So, with West Ham now preparing for life back in the Championship, 2026-27 could be the year that sees a handful of their brightest young talents emerge from the youth ranks and into the first-team picture.

How did Josh Ajala fare for West Ham’s Under-21s last season?

Ajala signed a new contract with West Ham in March of this year, with his new terms tying him down at the London Stadium until the summer of 2028.

It was a clear indication of how much faith Irons chiefs have in the teenager moving forward, as well as a just reward for his hugely impressive 2025-26 season.

After a 2024-25 campaign that saw him score 10 times in 10 appearances for West Ham’s Under-18s, as well as netting 11 in 29 for the Under-21s respectively, Ajala took his game to another level last year.

Indeed, in 27 appearances in all competitions for the Under-21s in 2025-26, he scored 13 goals and provided four assists.

Ajala was named as February’s player of the month in Premier League 2 this year, whilst also ending the term as the National League Cup’s top scorer with four goals respectively.

West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy forward Josh Ajala has signed a new contract with the Club until the summer of 2028 ✍️

Congratulations, Josh ⚒️

— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 6, 2026

Per FotMob, the teenager registered 45 shots on goal, created 15 chances, completed 20 successful dribbles, won 62 duels and took 102 touches in the opposition box in just 16 Premier League 2 games last season.

Ajala could free up Pablo for lead West Ham role

Wearing the number 10 shirt for West Ham’s Under-21s, Ajala is very comfortable operating behind the main striker as an attacking midfielder.

This is the role that Nuno Espirito Santo tried to get January signing Pablo to make his own in the second half of last season, but it didn’t work for the Brazilian.

Pablo was brought to the London Stadium as a striker, and with Taty Castellanos looking likely to leave this summer, the 22-year-old could finally get the chance to lead the Hammers’ line in the Championship.

Bringing Ajala into the first-team fold would only help aid that, and with the youngster showing his ability and potential as a deadly creative node, Pablo could thrive with a player like him behind him.

Either way, Championship football is surely the catalyst for Ajala to evolve into a senior role at West Ham, as his numbers in the academy strongly suggest he’s outgrown that level already.