Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka has signed his first professional contract, the club confirmed today.
The highly-rated 17-year-old (given the number of clubs after him) is yet to make a senior appearance for Villa, but big things are expected from him in the future.
Despite his tender age, Chukwuemeka has been playing regularly for Villa’s U23s this year, not to mention playing for England at youth team level, too.
Chukwuemeka has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City in the past, but he has committed his future to Villa, which is a huge positive.
The club’s CEO, Christian Purslow, described the midfielder as “probably the best 16-year-old in England right now” earlier in the year.
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It is vital that Villa keep hold of their most gifted young players, at a time when it is so easy for the top clubs to snap them up.
Chukwuemeka could easily have opted to join Liverpool, United or City, but his path into the first team may end up being more clear at Villa.
That being said, their start to the season suggests he will have to work very hard to eventually oust the likes of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Ross Barkley, among others.
Current evidence suggests a bright future awaits Chukwuemeka – happily it looks like it will take place at Villa Park.
