West Ham have a history of some superb footballers coming through the academy, but who could be next?
Declan Rice is the most prominent modern example of a star player to come through the academy at West Ham. He broke out in 2018 and never looked back once he’d proven he was ready to play for the Hammers’ first team.
However, this season under Graham Potter, there haven’t been many young players coming through. But the West Ham academy does have the talent. With that in mind, here are five young Hammers who could break into the first team next season.
Chinaza Nwosu – Defensive midfield
Not on purpose, but the first player plays in a very similar role to when Rice left West Ham. Nwosu is a defensive midfielder, who helps to command the middle of the park for the U18s.
The 17-year-old made 16 appearances in the U18s Premier League this season, and has also earned 11 caps for the England u17s side.
If the Hammers struggle for depth in central midfield next season, he could step in and prove his worth for Potter.
Joshua Ajala – Striker
West Ham have been crying out for a striker for several years now. Every season, they try and sign a player at the position, and it simply hasn’t been working.
Instead, Potter could look to give Josh Ajala a chance in the first team, as the 18-year-old has shown himself to have a lot of goal scoring talent for the Hammers’ U21s.
He’s made 29 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 11 goals. He also has three caps for the England U19s.
Finley Hooper – Goalkeeper
Next up, we have a potential future replacement for Alfonse Areola in 17-year-old Finley Hooper, who is the first-choice keeper for West Ham’s U18s.
This season, he has made 18 appearances, conceding 33 goals and keeping two clean sheets. Hooper has impressed at youth level especially with his distribution.
Jethro Medine – Right back
The first defender on our list is full back Jethro Medine, who has been impressing for West Ham’s U18s and the England U17s side.
Medine, 17, made 23 appearances this season, and despite being known as a defensive full-back, was able to contribute an assist. He is known for his pace and power when stopping quick opposition wingers.
Andre Dike – Winger
Dike is the definitive young, pacey winger that could come in and produce instantly for West Ham simply due to his speed.
The 17-year-old has made 18 appearances this season for West Ham’s U18s, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He has also scored two goals in five games for England’s U17s.
Click here to see West Ham’s current first team squad for the 2024/25 season.
