The latest Wolverhampton Wanderers news from BirminghamLive as duo sign up for the future
Wolves youngsters Wes Okoduwa and Mateus Mane have signed their first professional contracts.
Right-back Okoduwa, who turned 17 in May, has progressed through the ranks and will continue his eight-year association with the club.
He has been named in the matchday squad on six occasions, the first aged just 15 against Newcastle last March and most recently against Nottingham Forest.
“It’s a great feeling. I’m over the moon because it shows your hard work isn’t for nothing, and me and my family are proud after a long journey,’’ said Okoduwa.
“It’s an amazing club and it’s all I’ve known. I’m glad about how things are going and I’m taking it step by step.
“It gave me a good exposure (being on the first-team bench). Being exposed that early gave me a good insight to see what men’s football is like, and what I need to do to get there. That was a good experience being around the lads.
“Now, I’ll try to get as much men’s football as I can because that’s what I’m trying to prepare for. The adult world of football is where I need to go next, so wherever that is, I’m trying to prepare myself physically and mentally.”
Forward Mane, who will be 18 in September, is now tied to the club until 2027.
He said: “It’s an amazing feeling for me, my family, my friends – everyone. I’ve been working this whole time for this and now it’s happened, I’m really proud of myself and I’m really happy.
“A lot of work has gone into getting to this stage, because I came from a non-league club and to get a professional contract at a Premier League club, it’s a dream come true.
“But now it’s happened, I’ve just got to keep working and keep working to try and get that next contract and become a better player every day.”