Playing in a new role is helping a Manchester City youngster grow while out on loan
Divine Mukasa has so far shown what he is capable of during his loan spell at West Ham. Manchester City sent Mukasa out on loan to his boyhood club for the 2026-27 season. Mukasa has made nine appearances in all competitions for the Hammers and has scored two goals so far this season. The young playmaker has shown his talent, and also another side to his game. West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has utilised Mukasa more as a central midfielder than a number ten or wide. Playing in midfield is allowing Mukasa to further grow as a player which will thrill Manchester City.
Divine Mukasa has shown another side to his game playing in midfield for West Ham.
Playing more as a central midfielder has allowed Divine Mukasa to become more involved in games. During his loan spell with Leicester City during the second half of the 2025-26 season, Mukasa showed plenty of promising signs. However, at times he did drift out of games. This was a product of playing in a Leicester City side which was ultimately relegated to League One. Also, Mukasa was given his first taste of senior first team football in the Championship last season. Fluctuations in his performances were to be expected from Mukasa when you add his age into the equation.
However, the start Mukasa has made to the 2026-27 season, playing in a different role has been impressive. Nuno Espirito Santo has trusted the 19-year-old to play in midfield. Mukasa generally starts alongside Arne Engels in the West Ham midfield. Playing in a deeper midfield role allows Mukasa to be more involved in matches. With his technical ability and intelligent passing, Mukasa can help West Ham control the tempo of games. Although Mukasa hasn’t provided an assist for West Ham this season, his ability to see a key pass and make it makes him a valuable weapon for West Ham. Often he is the midfielder that creates an opening from midfield for the Hammers.
Playing in midfield in the Championship is no walk in the park, especially for a young player. However, Mukasa hasn’t shied away from this aspect of his midfield role for West Ham. He holds his own in duels and can step into make a challenge when required. This speaks to the maturity that Mukasa has shown for West Ham. Returning to his boyhood club has lifted Mukasa, as has playing in a deeper midfield role.
Manchester City will be thrilled with Divine Mukasa’s progress and will be hoping that it continues.
From a Manchester City point of view, they will be thrilled with what Divine Mukasa has shown at West Ham so far this season. The aim of sending Mukasa out on loan this season was to aid his development and growth as a player. The way that Nuno Espirito Santo has utilised Mukasa will enhance his overall game. The signs from Mukasa have been overwhelmingly positive and hopefully his impressive form continues after the international break.
Divine Mukasa looks to be in the process of adding string to his bow as a player at West Ham. He has slotted in well into a deeper midfield role for the Hammers. The performances of Divine Mukasa are worth keeping an eye on as he does figure to be a prominent player in the future for City.
