Elliot Myles, a highly rated youth prodigy, has signed his first professional contract at Norwich City.
The Canaries have turned down Premier League interest to guarantee Myles’ long-term future, after he impressed for the club’s under-18s this season as well as Alan Neilson’s under-21s.
Myles, who turned 17 on Saturday, has been a steady source of goals for Greg Crane’s struggling development team during the 2023-24 season, scoring five goals and assisting twice in seven games despite his age group being at the bottom of the under-18 Premier League table.
Last season, the Welsh under-17 international made 14 appearances, scoring five goals and assisting twice.
“I feel overwhelmed,” he said about the new contract. “It’s nice to be evaluated by the club and have them think highly of me. I appreciate everything they have done for me thus far.
“I am always appreciative for the opportunity. There are some things you cannot take for granted, especially at a club like this. Especially because I’ve been here since I was 14, with all the opportunities they’ve provided me. That demonstrates their trust and belief in me.
The forward is intended to continue the Norfolk club’s strong production line of promising young talent, which includes Todd Cantwell, Adam Idah, and Max Aarons, all of whom have emerged from the Colney youth levels in recent years.
Myles considers new fan favourite Jonathan Rowe to be a current influence, praising the 20-year-old when asked who he looks up to on club channels.
“I’d probably say Jonny Rowe,” he explained. “He’s one of the more recent ones, and he plays in a similar way to myself. He has demonstrated that anything is possible.
“This season, I’d like to be a regular starter for the Under-21s, but it’s all about improvement. I’d love to train with the first team as well.”
