West Ham United have sent Republic of Ireland underage international Mipo Odubeko on loan to English Championship side Huddersfield Town.
The striker will spend the season at the Yorkshire club, where he will link up with fellow Dubliner Danny Grant, while there is a break clause in the contract for both clubs in January 2022.
The 18-year-old has been a prolific scorer at Under-23 and Under-18 level for The Hammers and his former club Manchester United.
He made his senior debut for David Moyes’ side in the FA Cup and his new boss Carlos Corberán is eager to start working with the teenager.
“Mipo is a young striker with potential, who offers us something different in the attacking areas," said the Terriers head coach.
"He can play as a single striker or as a front pairing, and his finishing is a real strength; he has a very good shot from both his left and right sides. I am looking forward to working with him over the coming weeks and months.”
📝 Welcome to #htafc, @mipoodubeko!
The 18-year-old striker joins the Terriers on loan from Premier League @WestHam.
Details ⤵️— Huddersfield Town (@htafc) August 30, 2021
Odubeko has been given the number seven shirt by Huddersfield and the club's Head of Football Operations Leigh Bromby was impressed after meeting him.
"We’re delighted to welcome Mipo to Huddersfield Town today. He’s one of the most promising young strikers in England at the moment, and we’re delighted that West Ham have entrusted us with this phase of his development.
"With the unfortunate injury to Jordan Rhodes, we wanted to ensure that we had a good number of striking options, and Mipo gives us that alongside Danny Ward, Fraizer Campbell and Josh Koroma.
"Mipo adds some different qualities to our forward options and, when we spoke, it was clear he has a huge desire to show what he’s capable of in senior football."
Odubeko has played up to under-17 level for Ireland but has opted not to play for Jim Crawford's under-21 team yet and he could also opt to play for Nigeria while England have explored the possibility of recruiting him under the residency rules.
Crawford commented on his situation last week: "He's got a choice, and our lines of communication will always be open but he won't be involved in this camp. But probably, what we should be talking about is the players who are involved."
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