English club Tottenham have fended off interest from Manchester United, Newcastle and a host of other clubs interested in Nigerian prodigy Callum Olusesi.
The 17-year-old central midfielder has been a subject of interest for several clubs riding on his impressive performances for Tottenham in the FA Youth Cup and for the U-18s this season.
Across 18 appearances in all competitions this season, he has bagged eight goals and four assists.
Reports in the English media indicate that the Tottenham academy product, has signed a professional contract with the club.
Last summer, Olusesi signed scholarship forms with the Lilywhites and also agreed to a professional deal for when he turns 17 in March 2024.
Callum Olusesi is a Swiss army knife
Touted as the next big thing to happen to World football, Olusesi is incredibly gifted in possession, and a key component in starting attacks from the midfield.
Olusesi has also shown the capability to play at defensive midfield to minimise the beatings doled out to his teammates, and also as attacking midfielder given his ability on the ball. He is occasionally assigned the centre-forward role.
The versatility of his prowess has won him the affection and admiration of not only the technical handlers of his club and potential suitors but also neutral fans alike.
Olusesi is strong, quick and good in the air and is adept to using his body to shield the ball away from danger and his speed ensures he can make powerful recovery tackles when required and also a good passer of the ball.
As a volante, Olusesi is blessed with an ability to change direction with almost effortless ease, and his balance on the ball – combined with a great awareness of what’s around him – makes him a constant threat. When you watch him play, you will surely love him.
Callum Olusesi shows an incredible maturity for a player of his age and has the mind and calmness of an experienced international player.
Creative and dynamic at the same time with good ball control, He possesses all the ingredients to become a complete and quality player.
Olusesi's character is a rare one in modern football. Driven by the desire to improve but not hindered by the fear of failure, he’s already good.
When is Callum Olusesi's contract with Tottenham expected to end?
It is believed that his new contract will keep him at the London club until at least the end of the 2025/26 season. This is in accordance with regulations stipulating that players under the age of 18 may not sign a professional contract for a term longer than three years.
Has Olusesi represented England at the international level?
Despite his Nigerian roots, Olusesi has gained international recognition with England, having earned seven caps and scored twice while representing the the Under-17 team.
However, there are hushed talks that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) would try and convince the teenager to switch allegiance and represent Nigeria at international level.
Olusesi has shown glimpses of his skillset at the youth level, yet it remains unclear if he can handle the physical demands of first-team football at this stage. He obviously have time on his side.
The list of players that have failed to deliver on early promise is lengthy, and Olusesi has to ensure he doesn’t join the tale of woe.
The midfielder, indulged throughout his short career, also has to demonstrate his desire to succeed hasn’t been compromised by too much too soon.
It would be a travesty beyond compare if Olusesi does not take the world by storm with his immense talent.
