Thu 08 Jan - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Derby County Academy midfielder Charlie Smith has signed his first professional deal with the club.
The 17-year-old has committed his future to the Rams until the end of the 2027/28 campaign, becoming the third Academy star to sign professional terms this season – following defenders Luca Crolla and Rio Canoville.
A left-footed central midfielder, Smith first joined Derby as an Under-9s player, progressing through the junior ranks and finishing as the club’s top scorer during the Under-15s’ run to the Floodlit Cup final in 2023/24.
The teenager has since featured regularly for Derby’s Under-18s and Under-21s. After marking his first U18 Premier League start with a goal against Wolves earlier this year, he quickly established himself as a central figure in Bradley Johnson’s side.
Smith’s progress was rewarded with his maiden Premier League 2 appearance in November, setting up an Owen Eames strike inside the first minute against Blackburn Rovers Under-21s. He has since furthered his experience at that level by featuring on three occasions in the Premier League Cup.
Capable of the spectacular, Smith saw his audacious long-range lob in a friendly against Burton Albion Under-18s receive a nomination for the League Football Education Goal of the Month award for November.
Discussing his first professional deal, Smith said: “It’s one of the best days of my life. I can’t describe the feeling of signing this deal.
“I feel it is a reward for all the years of hard work and dedication from my family, with the sacrifices they’ve made. It’s a really proud day for all of us.
“I’ve had great experiences all the way through my time with the Academy. We’ve won tours and Premier League tournaments, and it has been amazing.
“Everyone at Derby County has helped me get to where I am now. Hopefully I can kick on and keep taking my opportunities.”
Derby County’s Academy Manager Matt Hale said: “Charlie has demonstrated exceptional progress since commencing his scholarship less than six months ago.
“Charlie is a very skilful attacking midfielder who plays with real positive guile. He is an exciting player to watch and has caught the eye of the senior coaching staff at the club, where he regularly trains with the First Team.
“He is definitely a player to look out for, and I’m sure he will have exciting career ahead of him.”
