Through their official website, Premier League club West Ham United have announced that 2001-born defender of Nigerian parentage Ajibola Alese has signed a new contract.

An England youth international, Ajibola's new deal keeps him at West Ham until at least the summer of 2023 and the contract also includes the option of an additional season.

Ajibola has been on the books of the Hammers since the age of seven, rising through the academy ranks before making his debut in a League Cup clash against Hull City in September 2020.

The center back was loaned out to League One club Accrington Stanley last season to get a taste of first team football and is currently on loan at Cambridge United until the end of this season.

Upon signing the new deal, Alese said : "I’ve been here since the age of seven, so to come through and sign a new contract is an amazing feeling.

"It’s a dream of mine to play for West Ham, so to be offered a new contract just shows that I’m going in the right direction.

"There are so many memories that I have here already. There are so many coaches who have given me little pieces of advice here and there that have helped me towards where I am today.

"I’d also like to thank my family, of course; God; and my friends, who have always supported me.

"West Ham means everything. It’s part of my family – I can’t describe it. West Ham is part of my blood now".

Ajibola made his U18 debut whilst still a schoolboy and signed his first professional contract with West Ham in 2018.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : whufc.com