Promising midfielder Malachi Ogunleye has signed a new deal with Premier League side Bournemouth after stepping up from the U18s to the development squad, NaijNaira can report.
According to Bournemouth’s official website, Ogunleye is one of five academy players who committed to fresh terms, alongside Charlie Stevens, Karlos Gregory, Archie Harris, and Remy Rees-Dottin.
Ogunleye, 18, joined Bournemouth at age 11 and signed a scholarship deal ahead of the 2023-24 season.
He captained the Cherries in the U18 Professional Development League and FA Youth Cup last season, impressing coaches with his leadership.
The Southampton-born midfielder also featured in the Premier League Cup and Professional Development League.
He previously played youth football for Chamberlayne, Netley Royals, and Fareham Town before moving to the Bournemouth academy.
“I would be honoured to play for either country and, hopefully, one day I’ll get to make a choice,” he told the club’s website when asked about his international future.
Born to Nigerian parents, Ogunleye revealed he’s open to representing Nigeria at the senior level.
“I’ve had some recognition from the newspapers in Nigeria so it’s been nice to see that,” he added.
Before committing fully to football, Ogunleye gained local fame as a breakdancing champion on England’s south coast.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
