Manchester United secure deal to keep academy winger Noah Ajayi

Manchester United have agreed professional terms with teenage winger Noah Ajayi, according to Sky Sports.

The 17-year-old is expected to sign his first professional contract with the club after entering the final year of his scholarship agreement.

Ajayi’s deal is a significant piece of academy business for United, who saw several changes among their youth teams during the summer transfer window.

Highly rated prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye left for Arsenal, while United strengthened their academy by signing Liverpool youngster Isaac Konde.

Retaining Ajayi provides a boost for the club as it continues to develop young players at its Carrington training base. The agreement also comes amid uncertainty over the future of another promising academy player, JJ Gabriel, who has reportedly indicated that he wants to leave United.

Gabriel’s situation has attracted attention because of his reputation and reported interest from leading clubs. Ajayi’s decision to stay offers United encouraging news as they attempt to keep their best young players and maintain a route from the academy into senior football.

Ajayi is highly regarded by coaches at Carrington and will now continue his development with the aim of eventually challenging for first-team opportunities.

He joined Manchester United’s academy after moving to England from Hamburger SV at the age of 10. The winger signed a scholarship agreement with United in 2025 and has since represented both the Under-18 and Under-21 sides.

His performances have established him as one of the academy’s leading attacking prospects. During the 2025/26 campaign, Ajayi scored nine goals and provided one assist in 25 academy appearances.

An ankle injury interrupted the beginning of his current season, but he returned in September and marked his comeback with a goal against Newcastle United.

The contract still needs to be finalised, but the agreement with his representatives means Ajayi is set to remain at Old Trafford as he works towards his ambition of playing senior football for Manchester United.