Manchester United Reach Agreement to Hand Noah Ajayi First Professional Contract
Manchester United have reportedly agreed terms with the representatives of teenage winger Noah Ajayi over his first professional contract at the club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
According to Sky Sports, the 17-year-old is expected to sign professional terms with the Premier League giants after reaching the final year of his scholarship agreement.
The development represents an important piece of academy business for United, who experienced significant changes within their youth setup during the summer transfer window.
Highly rated youngsters James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye left Old Trafford for Arsenal, while the club strengthened its academy ranks by securing a deal for Liverpool youngster Isaac Konde.
Retaining Ajayi therefore provides United with a boost as they continue efforts to keep some of their most promising young players at the Carrington academy.
The agreement also comes amid uncertainty surrounding another highly regarded United academy player, JJ Gabriel, who has reportedly indicated his desire to leave the club.
Gabriel’s situation has attracted attention because of his reputation and reported interest from several leading clubs.
Ajayi’s decision to continue his development at United gives the club some positive news as it looks to maintain a clear pathway from its academy to the senior team.
The winger is understood to be highly rated by coaches at Carrington and will now focus on continuing his progress before attempting to break into senior football.
Ajayi joined Manchester United’s academy after moving to England from Hamburger SV at the age of 10.
He signed a scholarship agreement with United in 2025 and has since featured for both the Under-18 and Under-21 teams.
The youngster enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, scoring nine goals and providing one assist in 25 academy appearances.
An ankle injury disrupted the beginning of his current season, but Ajayi returned to action in September and marked his comeback by scoring against Newcastle United.
With his professional contract now set to be completed, Ajayi will hope to build on his academy performances and move closer to his ambition of eventually representing Manchester United’s first team.
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