Highly rated winger Noah Ajayi, born in Germany to a Nigerian father, is set to sign his first professional contract at Manchester United.
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Manchester United are closing in on a new long-term contract for highly rated academy winger Noah Ajayi, who has emerged as one of the club’s most promising young talents since arriving from Germany at the age of 10.
A Rising Talent At Carrington
The 17 year old stands at 6ft 2in and can operate on either flank, and has impressed academy staff, including academy chief Stephen Torpey, as he has progressed through United’s age groups, according to Sky Sports. Born in Hamburg to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Ajayi began his youth career at TSV Sasel in Germany before moving to Manchester United’s academy.
He has also represented Germany at youth level, featuring for the national under-19 side during 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying. Ajayi enjoyed a strong Premier League 2 campaign last season, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances, form that drew interest from clubs across England and Europe. Despite that interest, his long term future now looks set to be at Old Trafford as he prepares to sign his first professional deal.
Good News Amid The Gabriel Situation
The development is a welcome boost for United’s academy department, coming a day after news broke that another highly rated youngster, JJ Gabriel, has told the club he wants to leave. According to reports, Gabriel has submitted a letter of de-registration, though United have no intention of granting the request and are working to persuade him to stay, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe understood to be aware of the situation. The club is reportedly still assessing whether it would be powerless to prevent Gabriel’s exit once he turns 16 in October, given his eligibility for a European passport.
