Birmingham City have confirmed seven youngsters have penned their first professional contracts with the club
The Knighthead Performance Centre, formerly known as Wast Hills
The Knighthead Performance Centre, formerly known as Wast Hills
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Birmingham City have added seven new players to their professional ranks – including ex-Aston Villa youngster Junior Wilson.
Wilson, 18, will link up with Blues’ under-21 side for their second campaign in Premier League 2 after signing a one-year contract that includes an option for an additional 12 months.
The central defender played 34 games in the under-18 Premier League during his two-year scholarship with Blues’ Second City rivals and will now ply his trade under the vastly experienced Scott Sellars who was recently appointed under-21s chief at St Andrew’s.
Six scholars have turned professional with Blues with Salif Bamba, Cobi Maddox, Dynaeo Martin-Moore, Riquelme Thompson-Jones and Jack Quirk all agreeing two-year deals, with a year’s option. Louie Rea has penned a one-year deal with an option.
Right-back Thompson-Jones has linked up with Chris Davies’ first team squad in pre-season and is currently part of the group out in Portugal.
Blues offered seven second-year scholars professional contracts at the end of last season and Aurelien Guernier is the only player to move elsewhere. The forward quit Blues after 13 years in their academy to join AC Milan on a three-year deal.
Blues have also confirmed that young goalkeeper Will O’Sullivan has signed a new one-year contract. O’Sullivan spent part of last season on loan at Solihull Moors and has joined the first team goalkeeping group at the start of pre-season.