Wed 29 Oct - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County Academy defender Luca Crolla has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 17-year-old, who primarily operates at centre-back, arrived from Manchester City in the summer as a first-year scholar.
After missing the early weeks of the season due to injury, Crolla has become a regular for the Under-18s, featuring in impressive wins over Burnley and Blackburn Rovers in recent weeks, while he has also appeared for the Under-21s in Premier League 2.
Crolla has penned terms on a contract until the summer of 2028 with the Rams.
The defender, who qualifies for both England and St. Kitts and Nevis at international level, said: "I am very grateful to be given this opportunity and it means a lot, so it is something I want to make the most of.
"I have been working towards this moment for a long time, it feels amazing to achieve it.
"I feel I have settled in really well here at Derby County I know there’s a lot more to come."
Jamie Smith, Derby County’s Assistant Academy Manager, said: "Luca took the decision in the summer to leave his previous club and, since joining the Academy, he has integrated himself across the Professional Development Phase.
"Despite being at the club for a short space of time and for his age, Luca holds outstanding leadership skills and possesses a real desire to defend.
"Our Academy Recruitment department worked hard in ensuring Luca and his family understood our club’s passion for youth development and providing opportunity to our players to bridge the gap to first-team football.
"We’re delighted for Luca and his family in signing his first professional contract and we look forward to supporting his development for years to come."
