Josh Ajala joined West Ham United’s Academy of Football from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, signing his first professional contract in November of the same year.
A versatile forward who can play on the wing or up front, Ajala was a prolific goalscorer for the U18s and U21s, including netting twice in the U18 Premier League Cup final win over Reading in April 2025.
Ajala's big-game form continued as he scored two added-time goals to take the U21s to the 2026 National League Cup final. He signed a new contract in March 2026, then made his first-team debut in August 2026.
2026/27
Made his first-team debut for West Ham United as a substitute in a 3-1 home Carabao Cup first-round win over Portsmouth on 8 August 2026...Scored his first two professional goals in a 4-1 Carabao Cup second-round win at Southampton on 25 August 2026...Made his league debut as a substitute in a 6-0 home EFL Championship win over Wrexham on 11 September 2026.
2025/26
Named in the first-team matchday squad for FA Cup ties against Burton Albion and Leeds United...Scored seven goals and assisted four in 14 Premier League 2 appearances...Scored four goals in six National League Cup ties, including two in the semi-final win at Tamworth on 17 February 2026...Scored in EFL Trophy ties against Swindon Town and AFC Wimbledon...Totaled 27 appearances, 13 goals and four assists for the U21s and U18s...Made his England U20s debut against Japan on 14 November 2025.
2024/25
Scored his first two Premier League 2 goals in a 5-1 home win over Southampton on 23 August 2024...Scored eight goals in 20 Premier League 2 appearances...Scored three goals in four National League Cup ties against Braintree Town, Sutton United and Ebbsfleet United...Scored three goals in five U18 Premier League South appearances...Started the FA Youth Cup third-round defeat at Grimsby Town on 6 December 2024...Totaled 35 appearances and 14 goals for the U21s and U18s...Made his England U19s debut in a 2-2 friendly draw with Italy on 4 September 2024.
2023/24
Scored 17 goals in 23 U18 Premier League South appearances, including a hat-trick in a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace on 7 May 2024...Started FA Youth Cup ties with Southampton and Manchester City...Made his EFL Trophy debut in a 1-2 round of 16 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers on 9 January 2024...Made his Premier League 2 debut in a 4-2 win at West Bromwich Albion on 15 January 2024...Made his Premier League International Cup debut in a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on 31 January 2024.
West Ham United
U18 Premier League Cup (2024/25) National League Cup runner-up (2025/26)
Premier League 2 Player of the Month (February 2026)
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