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Atherton signs professional contract with Chelsea

Chris AthertonGetty Images

Northern Ireland U-17 international Chris Atherton has signed his first professional contract with Chelsea.

The 17-year-old made headlines in 2022 when he became the youngest senior footballer in the United Kingdom aged 13 years and 329 days.

He came on as a second-half substitute in Irish Premiership side Glenavon's 6-0 win over Dollingstown in the League Cup.

Atherton was courted by Premier League clubs after his breakthrough in Northern Ireland before signing for Chelsea's academy in July, where he has been a regular in the side's U18 and U17 teams.