Manchester United have secured the future of academy winger Noah Ajayi, with the 17-year-old signing a long-term professional contract with the club.
The news was confirmed by an official statement from the club.
Noah Ajayi was one of the standout performers for Darren Fletcher’s Under-18 side last season and played an important role in their run to the FA Youth Cup final. He also made appearances for the Under-21s as his progress through the academy continued.
While JJ Gabriel attracted much of the attention during United’s Youth Cup campaign, Ajayi quietly put together an impressive season of his own. The winger scored twice in the competition and finished the campaign with nine goals across all competitions.
His performances have now been rewarded with a professional contract, giving Manchester United greater security over one of their promising young attackers.
Ajayi could push towards Manchester United first team
Ajayi turns 18 in November and could find himself around the senior squad during the coming season, including the possibility of sending him out on loan to gain regular senior football.
The winger has already been regarded within the club as a player capable of progressing quickly, and his recent contract is another sign of United’s efforts to strengthen their academy pipeline.
The timing is also notable given the uncertainty surrounding some of the club’s other young talents. United are currently expecting 15-year-old JJ Gabriel to leave despite efforts to keep him, while the club have continued recruiting heavily at youth level.
Karim Cassim, a 17-year-old midfielder who previously played for Manchester City, has also completed his move to United, while the club are closing in on fellow City youngster David Eze and Liverpool winger Isaac Konde, who is set to be announced soon.
