Blackburn Rovers have announced their latest batch of first professional deals, with Junior Nsangou the only player to turn down a deal.
It's been an important week for the next crop of Academy talent. The club announced the players that have signed two-year scholarship deals earlier this week, including in-demand Igor Tyjon.
Rovers have also revealed those that have penned their first professional contract with the club. Of those that were offered terms, only Nsangou decided to move elsewhere.
Lewis Bell, Rhys Doherty, Adam Khan, Matty Litherland, Paul Murphy-Worrell, Brandon Powell and Zack Stritch have all signed one-year contracts through to 2025. Each player has a 12-month option to extend that by a further year.
READ MORE: OUTGOING ROVERS PLAYER SENDS CLASSY MESSAGE AFTER EXIT
Goalkeeper Solomon Honor has penned a two-year deal, again with a one-year option to take him up to 2027.
This is the natural progression for all Academy players, with the talented starlets now hoping to nail down a place in Mike Sheron's Under-21 team for next term.
Rory Finneran is widely expected to sign for Newcastle United after rejecting Rovers' offer of a scholarship deal. The club's youngest-ever player has attracted interest from the Premier League and abroad.
The midfielder was a late substitute against Cambridge United in January, writing himself in the history books at Rovers. Despite the club's efforts, he hasn't signed the scholarship deal proposed with the Magpies favourites.
Fending off interest in Finneran was always likely to be difficult, given he is currently the Republic of Ireland under-17s and this time last year was crowned Under-15 International Player of the Year, aged 16.
However, Rovers have sent a strong message by retaining Tyjon's services. The talented forward was chased by several Premier League clubs but bought into the clear pathway offered to him by Rovers.
Adam Wharton is the best shining example of what's on offer at Ewood Park. Tyjon has taken that and will hope to impress in pre-season and enjoy a breakthrough season that culminates in his Championship debut.
Rovers can offer Tyjon a professional deal when he turns 17, which is March 2025. Ultimately, clubs may still circle, as they did with Ash Phillips, but this scholarship deal does protect the club as much as possible.
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