Forget Divin Mubama, West Ham United; Josh Ajala is impressive for the U18s.

Over the years, West Ham has struggled to find world-class strikers, so David Moyes was eager to address that weakness in his squad during the January transfer window.

Injuries have plagued Michail Antonio this season, while Danny Ings has been a major letdown since coming from Aston Villa in January 2023.
Although Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen are lethal in front of goal, Hammers supporters have endured decades of poor forward play. Clearly, West Ham is in dire need of an all-around striker.

The last time a striker scored 20 goals or more for West Ham was during the 2004–05 season, when Marlon Harewood scored 22 goals in the Championship and the team was promoted to the Premier League.

Is Josh Ajala going to be West Ham United’s next big striker?
Fans should focus on 17-year-old Josh Ajala as Divin Mubama isn’t performing up to par at the London Stadium, having made just 18 appearances since Moyes gave him his debut in November 2022. Callum Marshall is currently on loan at West Brom.

Throughout his 11 games for the Hammers Under 18s this season, the young player has already tallied six goals and one assist, earning special recognition from coach Kevin Keen.

Keen expressed his pride in the squad following West Ham U18s’ 2-1 victory over Southampton on February 24. “It was a good, solid performance and there were a couple of super finishes from Josh Ajala too,” Keen remarked.
Ajala scored his fifth and sixth goals of the year as the youthful Hammers won all three games at home thanks to a brace of goals he scored in the first half.
The Nigerian forward, who is only 17 years old, has already participated in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2, making brief appearances.

Ajala is a very exciting product of West Ham’s academy, having received his first professional deal in November of last year.

With room for a young potential in Moyes’ current team, Ajala should be a name West Ham supporters keep an eye on for the future, even though he will need much more development, particularly senior level experience.

Mumbama, get over here; Ajala is in town.

Other West Ham news: Ally McCoist has demanded something new of Jarrod Bowen, a star for the Hammers, live on talkSPORT.