Seventeen year old Jonathan Leko has signed his first professional contract with the Baggies.
The tricky winger has signed a three-year-deal at The Hawthorns after breaking through into Albion’s first team towards the end of last season.
Leko, who made his first team debut as a 16-year-old in the league cup in September, was one of a few bright sparks for Albion last season and started the final three games of the season.
The youngster, who has been with the Baggies since the age of 11, also won the club’s Young Player of the Season award following his eye-catching performances at the end of last term.
After making his Premier League debut away at Bournemouth, Baggies boss Tony Pulis claimed Leko has got “unbelievable talent” but warned the youngster to stay grounded.
“You’ve got to have big character, dedication, and you’ve got to be focused. And without those other three building blocks he won’t reach the potential that he’s got,” Pulis added.
“Ability alone doesn’t work, you’ve got to have them with it. Especially today, there’s so much going on it’s easy to be distracted, so he has to make sure he gets them. It’s up to us he gets that into him, and [that we] make sure he keeps his feet on the ground. He’s got a couple of solid pros in that group who will keep him right if he steps out of line, and I will if I get a sniff that he’s doing something he shouldn’t.”
Will Leko be a first team regular next season at The Hawthorns? Have your say at Baggies Banter.