---
title: "West Ham youngster sends clear first-team message to Nuno"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/07/24/west-ham-youngster-sends-clear-first-team-message-to-nuno/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-07-24T10:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-07-24T10:00:00Z"
---

# West Ham youngster sends clear first-team message to Nuno

**Josh Ajala has set his sights on earning regular first-team opportunities after scoring in West Ham United’s 5-0 pre-season win over Stevenage. The 19-year-old believes his close-range finish can be the start of a breakthrough season under Nuno Espírito Santo.**

Ajala entered at half-time with West Ham already two goals ahead. He later received credit for the fourth when Kaelan Casey’s volley struck him before crossing the line.

The forward also played a part in Jett Murphy’s stoppage-time goal by pressing Stevenage into surrendering possession. Ajala described the evening as another valuable opportunity to adjust to the intensity of senior football.

“I just want to kick on from where I am now, get some minutes and maybe a few goals as well,” he told [West Ham’s official channels](https://www.whufc.com/en/video/0_z2c6alzy?provider=stream&related=3ed927a9-48ea-4e79-8592-468e0a175ea9).

> "I’m really grateful for the opportunity that Nuno is giving me. I’ll play wherever the Head Coach wants me to play. I’ve got a very versatile skillset. I hope I can stay in and around the first team. I just want to kick on, and show people what I can do."\
> \
> – Josh Ajala ⚒️ [pic.twitter.com/baYfCrSfoQ](https://t.co/baYfCrSfoQ)
>
> — Central (@WestHam\_Central) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/WestHam_Central/status/2080308118542495887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Josh Ajala wants to prove he belongs in West Ham first team

Ajala has finished as West Ham Under-21s’ leading scorer in each of the previous two seasons. He was also named on the senior bench twice in the FA Cup last term.

The teenager believes he is now ready for the next stage of his development. He has trained regularly with Nuno’s squad this summer and featured against both Southend United and Stevenage.

His versatility could improve his chances. Ajala is comfortable playing as a striker, winger or wing-back and has made clear that he will accept any role offered by the head coach.

[ReadWestHam highlighted Ajala among seven academy players capable of stepping up](https://readwestham.com/2026/07/17/seven-young-stars-ready-to-step-up-for-west-ham-next-season/) during the promotion campaign. His goal at Stevenage strengthened that argument, particularly as West Ham prepare for a demanding 46-game Championship season.

A loan could still provide Ajala with regular senior minutes. However, Nuno must first decide whether the forward can contribute immediately as part of West Ham’s rebuilt squad.

Ajala has already shown he can score consistently at academy level. Pre-season now gives him the chance to prove those goals can translate into senior football.