Oladapo Afolayan departs West Ham United for Bolton Wanderers

West Ham United can confirm that Oladapo Afolayan has completed a permanent transfer to Bolton Wanderers.

The 23-year-old forward signs for the Trotters after impressing on loan at University of Bolton Stadium in the second half of 2020/21, during which he helped Ian Evatt’s team to achieve promotion from League Two.

Afolayan joined West Ham in February 2018 from non-league club Solihull Moors, and went on to make one senior appearance for the Club, scoring on his debut in January in the 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round win over Doncaster Rovers.

The forward was also a regular at U23s level in Claret and Blue, scoring nine times in 36 appearances for the Hammers’ development squad in between short loan spells at Mansfield Town and Oldham Athletic.

Afolayan said: “I want to thank all the staff at the Academy and the Club for giving me the opportunity in professional football. I’ve learnt a lot, had my ups and downs and developed into the man and player I am today.

“I want to thank Dmitri [Halajko], Pottsy (Steve Potts) and all the backroom staff with the team for helping me over the last few seasons, Konch (Paul Konchesky) for helping while I’ve been on loan and all the staff at Chadwell Heath and Rush Green for all the hard work they put in for us every day!

“I’ll always remember my time at the Club, especially my debut, and will keep supporting them from a distance. I wish every one at the Club success in the future!”

Everyone at West Ham United would like to thank Oladapo for his efforts in Claret and Blue, and wish him every success with his future career.