Well, at least one version of West Ham United enjoyed a happy weekend.
On the same day that Tottenham Hotspur’s narrow victory over Everton consigned the Hammers to relegation, the next generation of Hammers hopefuls brought the curtain down on their own campaign with some silverware.
In what was another impressive year at youth level, West Ham became the first side to win the Premier League Cup at three different age groups.
And where Greg Lincoln’s Under-21s failed in the National League Cup – beaten on penalties by Boreham Wood – they would succeed during the annual Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament in the Far East.
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Ezra Mayers and Lewis Orford are developing very nicely… 🌟
Josh Ajala scored a hat-trick in the last-16 and the winner in the semi-final.
While the free-scoring forward would not get his name on the scoresheet in the decider against Rangers – Rayan Oyebade and ex-Celtic kid Daniel Cummings netted as a 2-2 draw preceded a 7-6 shoot-out victory – Ajala maintained his ‘unplayable’ form until the very last kick of the campaign.
Josh Ajala could have a big part to play at West Ham United soon
Including his six goals during the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens, Ajala racked up 19 in all competitions for the Under-21s across 2025/26. Seven of those came in 14 Premier League 2 appearances.
This hungry shark is rapidly outgrowing the academy pond.
With major doubts surrounding the futures of Crysencio Summerville, Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen, Ajala’s lethal finishing, plus an ability to play in various roles across the frontline, means the twinkle-toed teenager could be one of those who actively benefits from a season in the Championship.
“It shows Josh’s mentality and how bright he is,” Academy Manager Kenny Brown said after West Ham fought off interest from Germany and France to tie the 19-year-old down to a new contract in the spring.
“He doesn’t get into physical battles when he doesn’t need to. He pulls off shoulders, finds space and gets on the ball again and again. He doesn’t just receive the ball in forward areas, he maintains possession and is progressive with it.
“He wants to be facing goal as soon as he receives the ball. His retention of the ball and his end product are up there with the very best.
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“I think what you’ve seen is him developing as a footballer. He’s not just a number nine now, he can play across any of the front three positions and he’s got all the attributes; his work rate, his finishing with both feet and he’s still going to grow physically too.
“I’m sure Josh will continue to be involved around the first-team, working alongside senior players where the levels really jump. I have no doubt he’ll adapt to that and it’s exciting.
“This is the place for Josh to thrive and develop, and we’re all looking forward to seeing what’s to come.”
The likes of Mohamadou Kante, Ezra Mayers and Ollie Scarles will fancy their chances of nailing down a starting berth in the second-tier.
Ajala is yet to make a single appearance for the senior side, though one suspects that will change regardless of whether Summerville, Castellanos and Bowen stay or go.
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