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Fulham FC have announced that Jonathan Esenga and Samuel Amissah have signed their first professional deals.
The defensive duo have played key roles for both Ali Melloul’s Under-18s side and Hayden Mullins’ Under-21s this season.
JONATHAN ESENGA
Jon broke into the U21s team at the start of the campaign when he was just 16 – and he has gone on to make 10 appearances for Mullins’ side in PL2 this season. He starred in last week’s Premier League Cup Final win over Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.
A strong passer and set-piece taker, the left-sided defender was handed his England U17s debut back in October, making his debut alongside Amissah.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Jon. “I’ve been at the Club since the age of five. It feels like all the hard work is paying off and hopefully this is just the start of great things to come.”
“I’ve had a sniff of First Team football having been involved in some training and that just makes you want it more. I need to keep working hard daily. I’ve been trying to take each day, each session and each game as it comes and apply myself 110 per cent.”
“It’s a real blessing to get to this next stage in my career, and I just thank God as it’s all possible through him.”
SAMUEL AMISSAH
It’s been a fantastic season for Samuel, who only made his U21s debut last September. He scored a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory against Derby County on just his second U21s appearance.
A versatile defender who is comfortable on both feet, Samuel has also received international recognition this season and is currently away with England U17s at the European Championships in Cyprus.
“I’m very excited to be signing a professional contract here at Fulham,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid. To finally put pen to paper is a really good feeling.”
“I want to keep excelling with the 21s and then push on to get as many opportunities with the First Team as possible.”
“I want to thank all of the coaching staff, physios, my family and everybody that’s been a part of my journey up to this point.”
