Melbourne City have secured three of its teenage stars on multi-year contracts, signing promising trio Dylan Pieiras, Denis Genreau and James Delianov to the senior team for the next two seasons.
The three players, all 17 years old, have emerged through City’s Academy teams and have signed professional deals with the Club.
Midfielder Genreau and goalkeeper Delianov joined City’s first team from the Club’s youth system on Scholarship Contracts this season and have extended their deals, which will elevate them into the first team for the next two seasons.
Both have trained regularly with the first team throughout the 2016/17 campaign, while Genreau, a former youth team Rising Star award-winner, has made three appearances in the first team this season, including his debut in December last year against Perth Glory.
Genreau, who has signed a three-year deal, has also been included in City’s A-League extended squad to challenge Sydney FC this Saturday night.
Pieiras, a talented defender, will be promoted to the senior team roster next season from the club’s Foxtel National Youth League squad. Pierias debuted for City against Brisbane Roar in February, making him the first player born in the 21st Century to play in the A-League.
We're pleased to welcome Dylan Pierias, Denis Genreau and James Delianov to the Senior team! #together
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) March 30, 2017
📰 https://t.co/y1BPapJgb3 pic.twitter.com/zcYsz4rest
Pieiras is also the first player to graduate through the Club’s Melbourne City College of Football program to play first team football.
Commenting on the signings, Melbourne City FC Head Coach Michael Valkanis said: “These three players have been nurtured through our youth system and have shown immense potential during their progression and development within our Club.
“Developing young players is crucial to our Club’s philosophy and each of these players have worked with our current coaching staff through our youth structures and therefore have a great understanding of the football we want to play.
“Having the players deliver our community clinics will help them to further develop their communication and leadership skills, while helping inspire the next generation of football players and fans in our community.”
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