Leicester City have declared professional contracts for 11 youthful prospects with the club expecting more stars to arise from their academy.
City have had enormous success with homegrown athletes lately, with Jeremy Monga and Louis Page’s advancement to the senior squad providing matchday lineups a very regional vibe.
For the Carabao Cup versus Huddersfield, nine members of the 20-man group had progressed through City’s youth system. For the victory over Charlton, it was eight players.
Now, the following group of talented youngsters have been awarded pro agreements. Among the 11 to be recognized are midfielder Will Lawrence and forward Lorenz Hutchinson, who both began alongside Monga and Page in the Under-16 Premier League Cup victory last year.
Hutchinson is worth monitoring this season. He’s begun in superb shape for the Under-18s, with two goals and two assists in the initial three games of the season.
Northern Ireland Under-21 midfielder Ryan Donnelly also receives his first pro agreement. He had a difficult period with injuries when he first arrived at the club from Dungannon in his native country a few years ago, but he’s now returned to the lineup and netted his first City Under-21s goal in a 2-0 triumph over Derby last week.
Attacking midfielders Alfie Fisken and Kirsten Otchere, centre-backs Kevon Gray and Reiss Khela, winger Laolu Omobolaji, and goalkeeper Jake Donohue have all participated in Premier League 2 this campaign and have been granted their initial pro contracts.
Completing the roster are the Under-18s midfielder Bless Akolbire and striker Bartosz Kosiorek.
Beyond that, City have also revealed that right-back Brandon Cover, who made his first-team debut under Enzo Maresca two seasons ago, has inked a fresh contract with the club.
The 21-year-old Jamaica international spent time on loan in League Two with Port Vale and Fleetwood last term.
City have also verified the acquisition of 17-year-old winger Riley Carr from non-league Hertford Town. Carr was on trial last season and Hertford confirmed the agreement over the summer. He’s begun strongly for City’s Under-18s, with a goal and an assist in the first three matches.