Jerome Abbey officially signed his first professional contract with the club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' young midfielder Jerome Abbey has officially signed his first professional contract with the club, confirming his commitment to staying and developing his career there. He made his first-team debut against Burnley in May at just 16 years, 8 months, and 8 days old, becoming Wolves' youngest ever Premier League player to appear for the club. Now, this highly promising young player has officially secured his future, choosing to continue his professional career with Wolves.  

This England U17 international joined Wolverhampton Wanderers' youth academy at the age of 6 and officially signed a youth player contract at 9, where he has since been developed in the club's youth teams. Last season, he made it into the first team early thanks to his outstanding performances, while also needing to balance his GCSE studies.  

During Cesar Peschoto's tenure, Jerome Abbey would participate in first-team training as needed and make appearances for the first team during the preseason. Last month, he was also given a chance to be included in the squad for Wolves' League Cup match against Port Vale, sitting on the bench awaiting his turn, but ultimately did not get a chance to play.  

An injury prevented the young player from participating in the U21 team's early season matches, but after surgery, his recovery is progressing smoothly, and he is not far from returning to the field. It's worth noting that when he rejoins the squad, his status will be different; he will then be a full-fledged professional player.  

Wolves' academy director Jon Hunter-Barrett said: "We are delighted that Jerome Abbey has officially turned professional. He has spent a long time at the club, growing step by step through the academy system. It has undoubtedly been a very rewarding experience for everyone who has been involved in and witnessed his development."  

“Jerome Abbey has always been a mature, steady, and consistent young man, and he grew up in a very good family. His two older brothers were also trained at our youth academy, and this positive family atmosphere has also influenced Jerome, which is reflected in his daily words and actions.”  

"His long-term involvement in first-team training provided him with invaluable opportunities for growth, because in such an environment, you have to hold yourself to the standards of a professional player. When we are able to provide these promising young players with such experiences, they must seize the opportunity to prove their abilities, and Jerome Abbey certainly did just that. At the same time, they also need to bring the experience and lessons learned in the first team back to the youth academy."  

"Since its founding in 1877, the club has experienced a long history and witnessed many different stories. But Jerome Abbey's debut record has undoubtedly left an important mark on the club's history. Considering how many years he has grown up here, and the close ties between his family and the club, this is something that everyone is very happy about."  

"Retaining young players is a crucial part of our youth development program, so we must create a good environment for them to grow, which is by no means easy. This challenge is faced not only by Wolves but by clubs across England. If a young player can appreciate the development opportunities here, enjoy the environment and challenges the team offers, and clearly see his own path to growth, then that is the best reward for all the hard-working youth development staff every day."  

Image source: Internet/Wolves official website