You might have noticed that Tottenham Hotspur are in a bit of a youth movement right now, partially out of necessity due to the massive injury crisis that precipitated playing a bunch of teenagers meaningful minutes in numerous Premier League matches at the start of the new year. But Spurs are also bringing along some promising players through the academy as well. Today one of the more promising youngsters, Callum Olusesi, signed his first professional contract with the club.
You might remember Olusesi made his club debut in the waning moments of Spurs’ 3-2 Europa League win over Hoffenheim in January. He’s a central midfielder and if you ask academy watchers who the really good players are out of this current crop of Spurs teenagers, his name is usually one of the ones that comes up. He just turned 18 and has signed a three year deal that will make him one of the highest paid academy players, though it doesn’t mean he’s going to be cracking the first team anytime soon.
Still, this is pretty exciting news. Youth development is always a crap shoot, though central midfield has been one area where Spurs have recently developed a few Premier League caliber players. Neither Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp were ultimately deemed to be at the level Spurs needed them to be, but they should both be considered “academy wins.” Olusesi could be another in that mold. Or he could be the next Tottenham academy superstar! We won’t know for a while yet.
Regardless, it’s nice that he’s been deemed good enough to earn a professional contract. That means he’s a talented player regardless of what happens to him next or what his future in the game will turn out to be. My guess is that he’ll stick around for Spurs’ preseason tour with Asia and then possibly head out on loan. That in itself is worth celebrating.