West Ham striker Divin Mubama has rejected a new contract, according to The Athletic reporter Roshane Thomas.
The 19-year-old has less than a year remaining on his current deal and Thomas says the player’s future at the London Stadium is now in doubt:
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Divin Mubama has turned down a contract extension at West Ham. The forward is entering the final year of his deal, which does not include a one-year option. Discussions remain ongoing and club hope Mubama will change his mind. #WHUFC https://t.co/9WZpz12E4F
— Roshane Thomas (@RoshaneSport) October 30, 2023
Fans are not surprised that Mubama has decided to turn down an extension, considering the lack of game time he has been afforded by manager David Moyes this season:
Moyes effect
— East London Hammers (@massivewhu) October 30, 2023
Real travesty if this man leaves for nothing.
— West Ham Xtra (@WestHamXtra) October 30, 2023
Don't blame him
— Josiah ⚒️⚒️⚒️⚒️🫧🫧🫧 (@JosiahMoth06) October 30, 2023
Can't blame the guy when he sees Danny Ings coming on in front of him every week.
— Ray Wood (@RayWood23) October 30, 2023
Absolutely gutted, we cannot afford to lose this young man. Not only talented but a solid character and a true hammer. We must give him hope and a real chance in the first team.
— Mary (@ZaynafamilyMary) October 30, 2023
Watching Ings come on and plod about while he gets no game time 🤷♂️
Don't blame the kid.
— G Man (@GrazaWhu) October 30, 2023
Mubama wants more playing time
The Hammers’ academy is still producing some outstanding talents, and Mubama did look poised to be the next player off the production line.
He has been prolific for the Under 18s and Under 21s, while he has also represented England at youth level, so the next stage of his career has to be minutes for the senior team.
Unfortunately, despite being named on the bench on a number of occasions this season, he hasn’t made an appearance in the Premier League, and he has had limited game time in the Europa League and domestic cups.
West Ham need to give their youngsters a pathway to first-team football
As we have seen already with the likes of Harrison Ashby, who left for Newcastle last summer, the Irons are losing promising young players as they can’t get first-team opportunities.
If they want to retain the services of Mubama, both Moyes and the club need to give him certain guarantees about his future.
