Defender explains why he left West Ham in January – Transfer not working out so far

Emeka Adiele says he had several options to leave West Ham United in the winter transfer market.

He ended his time at West Ham on winter deadline day by completing a permanent move to FC Utrecht.

The 18-year-old is a product of the Hammers’ youth system and had represented their U18, U19 and U21s. However, he never got an opportunity to make an appearance for the first team.

Nuno Espírito Santo or his predecessors didn’t consider the left-back for the Premier League side.

He ended up moving to the Netherlands and in February, the fullback said he couldn’t turn down Utrecht.

Widespread interest ahead of West Ham transfer exit

Fast forward to April and RTV Utrecht caught up with the defender to discuss a few topics including his West Ham United exit and life in the Netherlands.

Emeka Adiele had other options, without revealing their details, and reveals FC Utrecht’s proposal convinced him to pick them.

“I heard that scouts came to watch a few of my matches. There was interest from other clubs as well. But I was happy with the offer from FC Utrecht. When I heard that, I thought, ‘That’s where I want to go’,” he said.

“It is a nice place to be. It is a different environment, of course, but so far I like it just fine.

“Everything is different, especially at the highest level. At West Ham, I hadn’t played in the first team yet either. So that takes some getting used to. I will have to learn everything quickly.”

The Eredivisie side signed him to immediately replace Souffian El Karouani, who had West Ham’s interest in January. The Moroccan had hailed the Hammers as a “great club” but didn’t end up joining them in the last window.

El Karouani’s decision to finish the season at Utrecht means Adiele is yet to make his debut.

In short, his decision to leave West Ham for first team minutes hasn’t worked out so far.

“I want to secure a spot in the first team as soon as possible. I need to get more minutes with Jong (youth team) to eventually make my debut in the first team,” Adiele explained.

Our take: Why Utrecht move will get better

FC Utrecht gave Emeka Adiele a contract until 2030. Although he hasn’t made his first team debut yet, there shouldn’t be any concern about it.

That’s because Souffian El Karouani’s contract expires in June and he’s expected to leave as a free agent in the summer. This would see the former West Ham United man’s chances climb up the pecking order.