West Ham United could come up against former academy striker Divin Mubama on Tuesday night after the Southampton forward scored an 89th-minute winner against Stoke City.
The Manchester City loanee spent more than a decade at West Ham before leaving in 2024 and now has an opportunity to face his former club in the Carabao Cup.
Mubama announced himself to Southampton supporters on Saturday, coming off the bench to score against Stoke, the club where he spent last season on loan.
Southampton’s official match report confirms the 21-year-old struck in the 89th minute before Ryan Manning completed a 3-1 victory.
Another former club now stands between him and a place in the third round.
Divin Mubama could face West Ham at St Mary’s
Southampton signed Mubama on a season-long loan from Manchester City earlier this month, bringing him back to the Championship after his spell at Stoke.
He scored five goals in 28 appearances for the Potters last season before injury disrupted his campaign.
Mubama joined West Ham’s academy aged eight and helped the club win the FA Youth Cup in 2023. His run to that final included a hat-trick against Southampton.
He also scored his first senior West Ham goal in the Europa Conference League before moving to Manchester City.
ReadWestHam previously covered Mubama’s proposed Southampton switch when Fabrizio Romano reported that an agreement was close.
His loan has since been completed, and Saturday’s goal has given Southampton manager Tonda Eckert a selection decision ahead of the cup tie.
West Ham prepare for another Southampton reunion
Mubama may not be the only player facing a familiar club at St Mary’s.
James Ward-Prowse could make his first West Ham start of the season against Southampton, where he spent 20 years and made 410 senior appearances.
Nuno Espírito Santo is expected to consider changes following the defeat to Charlton Athletic, with our predicted West Ham XI identifying several possible alterations.
Southampton’s own selection remains uncertain, but Mubama’s impact against Stoke strengthens his prospects of featuring.
Saints boss Eckert has already described Mubama as a natural goalscorer after watching his development at Manchester City.
Kick-off at St Mary’s is 7.45pm on Tuesday, with the winner progressing to the third round.
For West Ham, stopping a striker they developed themselves may now form part of the challenge.
