Elisha Sowunmi has signed his first professional contract with English Premier League club West Ham United.
The 17-year-old forward, who has been with the club since joining the U9s, penned a full scholarship in 2023 and has since featured prominently for the Hammers’ U18 and U19 teams.
The club confirmed the teenager’s contract in an official statement: “West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy forward Elisha Sowunmi has signed his first professional contract with the Club.”
Reacting to the milestone, Sowunmi shared his excitement: “It feels good to have signed my first professional contract,” he smiled. “Being a professional footballer is something I’ve thought about for so many years, so for it to finally happen is such a great feeling.
“I’ve come through the age groups with players I’ve grown up alongside, so to see all of us reach this point together is really special. Hopefully we can all keep pushing and improving with the U21s.”
Sowunmi played a key role in West Ham’s U18 Premier League triumph, finishing the season as the team’s top scorer with 18 goals and five assists in all competitions.
Born in England, Sowunmi is a British citizen of Nigerian descent.
