Manchester United Set To Tie Down Rising Academy Star Noah Ajayi

Manchester United are close to securing the long-term future of highly rated academy prospect Noah Ajayi, with the 17-year-old winger poised to sign his first professional contract with the club.

Ajayi has emerged as one of the promising talents in United’s academy since joining the club from Germany at the age of 10. He has progressed through the youth ranks at Carrington and is now set to make the next step in his development by committing his future to the Premier League giants.

According to Sky Sports, the teenager has impressed senior figures within United’s academy, including academy chief Stephen Torpey.

Standing at 6ft 2in, Ajayi is capable of operating on either flank and has attracted interest from clubs in England and elsewhere in Europe following an impressive campaign.

The proposed professional contract would keep the Germany youth international at Old Trafford at a time when United are seeking to retain their most promising young players.

Ajayi’s emergence also comes amid uncertainty surrounding fellow highly rated academy prospect JJ Gabriel, whose future remains unresolved following recent reports.

Born in Hamburg to a Nigerian father and German mother, Ajayi moved to England at the age of 10.

He began his youth career with German club TSV Sasel before joining Manchester United’s academy, where he continued his development through the age-group system.

Ajayi has represented Germany at youth level and featured for the country’s Under-19 side in the spring of 2026 during qualification for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

His progress was underlined by his record in Premier League 2 last season, when he scored seven goals in 18 appearances, further increasing interest in his services.

United are now on the verge of securing Ajayi’s first professional deal, potentially ending speculation over his future and providing another boost to the club’s efforts to develop and retain young talent.