Seventeen-year-old forward Elisha Sowunmi has signed his first professional contract with West Ham United, marking a major milestone in the teenager’s football career.
The club confirmed the deal on Tuesday, celebrating the progress of a player who has spent over a decade rising through the ranks of West Ham’s youth system. Sowunmi, a dynamic winger with an eye for goal, first joined the Hammers’ Academy at the age of five and has since developed into one of the standout talents in the club’s youth setup.
Sowunmi expressed his delight at the achievement, describing the moment as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition. “It’s a great joy to have signed my first professional contract,” he said. “Becoming a professional footballer is something I’ve been thinking about for years, and for it to finally come to fruition is a great feeling.”
His journey through West Ham’s youth structure has been marked by consistent development and promise. Coaches within the Academy have long regarded him as a player with significant potential, noted for his pace, dribbling ability, and composure in the final third. While the club has not disclosed the length of the contract, the signing represents a strong vote of confidence in Sowunmi’s future from the East London side.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Sowunmi is eligible to play for both the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, and England’s Three Lions.
That dual international eligibility adds an intriguing dimension to his burgeoning career, and as his profile continues to rise, both nations are likely to take a keen interest in his development.
The signing also highlights West Ham United’s continued emphasis on promoting talent from within their own ranks. The club, with a proud history of producing top-level players through its Academy—often referred to as “The Academy of Football”—continues to invest in youth development as a cornerstone of its long-term strategy.
Sowunmi’s progression to a professional contract underscores that tradition and reflects the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown prospects. His journey serves as inspiration to younger players within the system, showing that the pathway from Academy to professional football remains alive and achievable.
West Ham officials have yet to confirm whether Sowunmi will be immediately integrated into the first-team environment or continue his development at youth and under-21 level. However, the contract opens the door for increased exposure to senior training sessions and matchday squads in the near future.
For now, Sowunmi is focused on continuing his hard work and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes his way. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I want to keep improving, keep learning, and hopefully make my debut for the first team in the near future.”
As West Ham prepares for the upcoming season, fans will be watching closely to see how Sowunmi’s story unfolds. His signing marks not just a personal achievement but a symbol of the club’s faith in youth, promising more to come from the talented young forward.
West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy forward Elisha Sowunmi, who has been part of the Academy set-up since the Under-9s age group, has signed his first professional contract with the Club. ⚒
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 2, 2025
