Birmingham City Ready To Renew Striker Contract In Few Weeks

In the upcoming weeks, Birmingham City plans to offer 16-year-old attacker Romelle Donovan, who turns 17 at the end of the month, his first professional contract.

Donovan made his debut for the Blues first team this season a few weeks ago, playing seven minutes during head coach Wayne Rooney’s first home game in the dugout during a 2-0 loss to Hull City.

After giving Donovan his debut in October, Rooney lavished praise on the teenage sensation and acknowledged that he should have been on the team [quotes via club media]:

“Come on, he deserved to be in the squad.” He’s had a very positive attitude. He’s put in a lot of training. Since I’ve been here, he has traveled down twice to play for the Under-21s, and on both occasions, he has been the standout player.

“After his return, he trained incredibly well. He is on the team because he deserves to be there, and I thought that when he entered the game ten or fifteen minutes ago, he could offer us something a little bit different.

According to Birmingham Live, City is eager to lock down Donovan’s future with the West Midlands team by offering him a professional contract after he turns 17.

Given that players cannot sign contracts with organizations when they are younger than 17, and that Donovan turns 17 at the end of November, the Blues should look to make an announcement in the upcoming weeks.

The forward, who can play as a number ten and anywhere along the front three, gives Rooney versatility and flexibility off the bench, which the former Derby County manager will undoubtedly look to use more of during his tenure, however long that may be.

Although many fans and commentators may doubt Rooney’s experience or management style, the Manchester United legend has a steadfast talent for grooming young players.

Even though Rooney has only been managing Birmingham City for a few games, he has already given Donovan his debut, demonstrating his willingness to give academy products playing time.