West Ham are interested in signing Nigerian Under-20 international midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen, according to reports.

The 16-year-old is currently playing at the Under 20 World Cup and Allnigeriasoccer.com claim that the Hammers are among several European teams pursuing his signature.

They say that Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side have held “initial talks” with Kamaldeen, although the Irons are not deemed favourites to sign him at this stage.

Liverpool, Chelsea, Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp are also believed to be in the mix.

What do fans need to know about Kamaldeen?

The teenager is not attached to a professional club at the moment. He is currently with the Kwara Football Academy.

It means that many scouts would have only seen Kamaldeen in action at the Under-20 World Cup. He came on for the last 12 minutes of Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat to Norway in their opening group game.

The midfielder was also an unused substitute in the 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia on Friday.

West Ham will have to fight off stiff competition for the player

Despite being very proactive in beginning discussions with Kamaldeen’s agents, interest from other teams has seemingly turned the youngster’s head.

AllNigeriasoccer claim Chelsea have a strong advocate in their Head of African Scouting, Seyi Olofinjana, who is a former Nigerian international.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are increasingly confident that they will win the race for Kamaldeen, having already met face to face with his representatives.

It should be pointed that due to his age, he won’t be able to formally join any English club until he turns 18. For that reason, you can’t count out the likes of Anderlecht or Antwerp from swooping in and offering the player a contract. It looks like there could be plenty of twists and turns in this transfer battle.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here