Done deal: Tottenham beat Celtic in race to sign attacker who rejected Premier League rivals

Tottenham have reportedly completed the signing of Elisha Sowunmi from West Ham.

It’s been a busy winter transfer window at all levels of the North London club, who have signed Conor Gallagher and Souza to strengthen Thomas Frank‘s first-team options, while offloading Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million.

Young Irish forward Mason Melia has also joined Spurs’ youth ranks, while new loan exits have been sanctioned for Kota Takai, Manor Solomon, Jamie Donley, Yang Min-hyeok, Oliver Irow, Damola Ajayi and Yusuf Akhamrich.

And it seems as though the business isn’t stopping there, especially with Spurs’ youth teams.

Thomas Frank arriving ahead of a Spurs game
Credit: Imago

Tottenham sign Elisha Sowunmi after he rejects new West Ham contract

According to Spurs insider Lilywhite Rose on Instagram, 18-year-old attacker Sowunmi has made the move from East to North London.

It is understood that Tottenham have seized the opportunity to sign the teenager after he rejected the chance to sign a new deal with West Ham.

Sowunmi had been on the books at the Hammers since playing for their Under-9s team, but he now has the opportunity to showcase his talents in either Tottenham’s Under-18s or Under-21s squad.

According to Football Insider, Celtic had also been keen on Sowunmi, but Spurs have seemingly beaten the Scottish champions to the punch by offering him the chance to stay closer to home.

Elisha Sowunmi says goodbye to West Ham

Sowunmi took to Instagram on Thursday to post an emotional goodbye message to West Ham.

The teenager, who won the Under-18s Premier League Cup with the Hammers last season, shared an image of himself as a young kid alongside Winston Reid and Reece Oxford.

In his post, he said: “After 10 years, it’s time to say goodbye. Grateful for every moment, every lesson, every teammate.

Thank you, West Ham.”

On West Ham’s official website, Sowunmi is described as a “versatile attacker” who is “comfortable on the left or right or as No10”.

In June 2025, he signed a professional deal with the Irons ahead of a transition into playing for the East London club’s Under-21s.

However, it now seems as though Spurs will be getting the chance to develop this exciting young talent.

Stay ahead of the action — subscribe to Tottenham News on Substack for more exclusive insights and match-day analysis.