British-Pakistani signs two-year contract with Aston Villa

Top clubs Bayern Munich and Liverpool were also keen on signing the 16-year-old

Sixteen-year-old British-Pakistani Easah Suliman has signed a two-year contract with Aston Villa Football Club – one of Europe’s biggest football club, the Daily Mail reported on Monday.

Suliman, who has also captained England’s Under 17 side, has reportedly signed the deal in order to avert interest from two other leading clubs in Europe – namely Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

He had signed scholarship forms with Aston Villa in the summer, while other clubs in Europe were still trying to poach him. However, he has made it clear that his commitment lies with Aston Villa.

“We're delighted that Easah has signed his first professional contract with the club,” said Sean Kimberly, Aston Villa’s academy director.

“Easah has been at the club through his foundation years at junior school, and he's a Birmingham lad who's come through the local recruitment process,” the director said.



Easah Suliman has also captained England's U17 side. PHOTO: AVFC WEBSITE

Kimberly praised Suliman’s abilities, saying that the club is excited to work with the youngster in the coming years.

“Having fought off competition from home and abroad for his signature, everyone here at Villa will help him get the most out of his abilities,” he added.

“He's at the start of his career now and everything is in front of him.”

The Aston Villa academy director further said the 16-year-old star will be going away with the U17 team of England.

“He's going away with England U17s next month and he's continuing to make good progress both with them and here at Villa.”

“The key for him now is to continue to work hard, to maintain the same excellent attitude he has displayed so far and to continue to learn from his coaches,” said Kimberly.

Kimberly praised the club’s abilities, stating that it had developed local, young players over the years.

“It's great that we can continue to do that with Easah,” he said.