Versatile England youth international signs first Leeds United professional contract
Another Leeds United prospect has signed professional terms with the club.
Versatile Leeds United Under-18s defender Joshua Hamilton has become the latest prospect to sign his first professional contract with the club.
Hamilton put pen to paper on a one-year deal that will see his development continue at Thorp Arch until 2027. The 18-year-old is a centre-back by trade but can, and has, played at right-back for Rob Etherington’s Under-18s.
The teenager played 18 times for the U18s last season and represented England at Under-17 level against Morocco. He joins the likes of Will Firth and Kenneth Mensah in a raft of academy contract announcements.
A club statement said: “Leeds United are pleased to announce Academy defender Joshua Hamilton has signed a first professional contract with the club. The centre-back’s one-year deal will see him continue his development at Thorp Arch until the summer of 2027.
“Last campaign, Hamilton made 18 appearances for Rob Etherington’s Under-18s and showed his versatility by also featuring at right-back. Away from club football, the defender has also earned international recognition too, debuting for England’s Under-17s in a clash with Morocco.
“Everyone at Leeds United would like to congratulate Joshua and we look forward to seeing his development across the upcoming season.”
Reflecting on his new deal, Hamilton said: "I'm absolutely buzzing. It's a dream come true, to be honest. Obviously I've been working my whole life towards this and it's just a very proud moment for me and my family. It started at grassroots just playing for fun, and then I went on different camps at other clubs, and that made me realize how much I actually enjoyed football.
"My dad helped along the way; he loves football as well, he wanted it probably more than me when I was a kid. As I grew older, got to 9, got signed by Leeds, then from there I've just progressed and got to the point where I am now.
"My parents trekking from where I live all the way to training was tough for them. A lot of money spent on fuel, but it's worked out in the end, and I forever appreciate them for that. And coaches that have stood by my side through difficult times have also helped me."