Nigeria-eligible English defender exits West Ham to join FC Utrecht

Three-time FA Cup winners West Ham United have parted ways with Nigeria-eligible English defender Emeka Adiele, Afrik Foot reports.

The 18-year-old left-back sealed a deadline-day move to Dutch side FC Utrecht from the club’s U-21 side in search of playing time.

Adiele’s decision stunned many as Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were in pole position for his signature, before he chose the Eredivisie as where he would spend the next four years of his career, developing himself.

The youngster’s departure comes days after the Hammers sanctioned the exit of Elisha Sowunmi, who followed Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur after finishing the 2024/25 campaign as the club’s Under-18 top scorer.

Losing two promising youngsters in quick succession will not sit comfortably with supporters who have watched the academy serve as a lifeline for the club in recent years.

Nigeria-eligible Adiele joins FC Utrecht from West Ham

In a statement from their club’s official website, the one-time Dutch Super Cup winners announced the signing of the newest recruit.

“It feels great to be here, I can’t wait to get started,” says Emeka Adiele.

“Hopefully I can take everything I learned at West Ham United to Utrecht and help the team grow further here.”

“I’m a fast-paced, attacking fullback,” Adiele describes himself as a player. “I love to cover the left flank. I’m nimble in the small spaces and have a good left leg. FC Utrecht was the best option for me; that is mainly because of the conversations and because they really wanted me here.”

Quizzed about why he chose to join FC Utrecht despite offers from several top European clubs, Adiele said;
“Well, I just want to get regular first-team minutes, to be honest. I want to improve in everything I can in my position, whether that’s getting up the pitch, combining with players, defending one-v-one, just everything. I’m willing to work on it.

“My plans are just to keep getting better, keep improving. Hopefully, I will just improve the squad. That’s really what I want to do – help [Utrecht] win more games.

“Hopefully, I make a few appearances [this season]. You can see where Utrecht can finish in the table, and hopefully I can be a part of that – a big part,” the four-cap England U-18 defender concluded.

Utrecht are currently 12th on the Dutch top-flight table, and are without a win in their last seven games.