West Ham Academy forward Joshua Ajala has spoken of his delight at making the move to east London this summer.

Our Hammers’ Academy of Football has been making significant strides of late, with the U18’s winning 26 out of 30 games in all competitions last season – thus winning the U18 Premier League South. They then went on to win the FA Youth Cup – beating Arsenal 5-1 in the final at the Emirates Stadium.

Our famed Academy though, now run by Kenny Brown, is not slowing down, and aims to kick on once again this season to help build a positive and exciting future for West Ham.

The club made an shrewd acquisition this summer, by bringing in former Chelsea academy forward Ajala – who is already impressing and has his eyes set on the prize of making it all the way for our Hammers.

“I’ve received a really warm welcome from West Ham and I feel like this Club suits the way that I play. It’s all been really good for me so far,” the 16-year old told the clubs Official Website.

“There is a really good pathway to the first team at this football Club and that played a big part in my decision to move here.

“I’ve seen a lot of players progress through the youth ranks from the outside, such as Divin (Mubuma). I know that if I keep working and keep performing that I will have an opportunity to do the same.”

Despite being only 16, there is a lot of expectation surrounding Ajala, and all will be hoping he can make the same strides forward as others who have gone on to become senior players at West Ham.