There has been little to get excited about around Wolves this week, but a done deal for an exciting young winger has been announced.
In the middle of links, denials, and back-and-forth discussions, one piece of business has been made official, and while it may not solve any of Wolves’ immediate problems, it is a positive one for the future.
Much of the attention this week has been on pre-season concerns and ownership disagreements, with many fans dreading the forthcoming season.
But it’s wonderful to take a break from current concerns and become enthused about a potential future star.
Emilio Ballard-Matthews signs professional contract with Wolves
Emilio Ballard-Matthews, 17, joined Wolves from Watford in 2023 and is seen by academy insiders as the club’s next great thing.
At the age of 15, he appeared on the bench for Wolves in a Carabao Cup match against Blackpool. This alone demonstrates how highly regarded he is, and two years later, he signed his first professional deal with the club.
Ballard-Matthews told the Wolves’ media team for the website that signing his first professional contract is a really wonderful experience. I’m very delighted and can’t wait to get started.
“Last season I showed glimpses of what I can do, but now this season I’m looking to get a run of games consistently and show what I can do to help the team.”
He has lofty goals for his Wolves career, as he explains: “I’ll attempt to get into the under-21s team, sit on the bench a few times, practice with the first-team, and demonstrate what I can do.
“When you see under-18s players going on first-team tours, it makes me realise I’m not far from that.”
Ballard-Matthews will look to follow the path of Mateus Mane
Mateus Mane, 17, made his Premier League debut last season, making him the youngest Wolves player. Mane, a promising attacking talent, wants to start for Wolves this season, and considering the club’s present lack of attacking alternatives, his desire isn’t out of reach.
Ballard-Matthews will look at Mane’s prospects and be reassured that he can advance to the senior team despite his age.
For the time being, his focus is on the U21 squad, but if he remains fit and progresses, the left-winger might make his Wolves debut as early as this season.
The number of clubs taking a chance on young players has risen dramatically in recent years. Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool have demonstrated the ancient adage, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
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