Nigerian youngster, Elisha Sowunmi, has signed his first professional contract with West Ham United.
The Hammers confirmed the news on social media , stating:
“West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy forward Elisha Sowunmi has signed his first professional contract with the Club.”
The 17-year-old, who joined the West Ham Academy at the Under-9 level, marked the milestone moment alongside his proud parents at the club’s Chadwell Heath training ground — a place he has called home for the past 12 years.
Speaking after signing the deal, Sowunmi expressed his excitement:
“It feels good to have signed my first professional contract. Being a professional footballer is something I’ve dreamed of for years, so for it to finally happen is an amazing feeling.”
“I’ve come through the age groups with players I’ve grown up with, so to reach this point together is really special. Hopefully, we can keep pushing forward and improving with the U21s.”
Reflecting on his 2024/25 season, Sowunmi added:
“This has definitely been one of my best seasons. Scoring goals and winning the Premier League Cup was incredible. It’s a season I’ll always look back on with pride.”
“But now it’s about building on that. I’m looking forward to stepping up and being around the U21s at Rush Green. With the first team training there too, it gives you a real sense of what you’re working towards. It’ll be challenging, but I’m excited and ready for next season.”
He began his football journey at Chingford-based grassroots club Ryan FC before joining West Ham’s Academy. After signing a full-time scholarship in 2023, he showed great promise in his first season with the U18s and truly shone in 2024/25.
Capable of playing across the front line, Sowunmi finished the season as the U18s’ top scorer with 16 goals and five assists in all competitions. His impressive tally included two hat-tricks, one of which came in a win against FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League champions Aston Villa.\
He also started every game in West Ham’s successful U18 Premier League Cup run, scoring twice and providing three assists, including the decisive assist for Josh Ajala’s winning goal in the final, helping the club lift the trophy for the first time in its history.
Sowunmi now joins fellow long-serving teammates Ezra Mayers, Emeka Adiele, Airidas Golambeckis, Jethro Medine, and Riley Hargan in committing his future to West Ham United.
