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Academy defender signs long-term contract with Canaries
Academy defender Jaden Warner has signed his first professional contract with Norwich City, pictured alongside head of football development Steve Weaver Picture: Norwich City FC - Credit: Norwich City FC
Promising central defender Jaden Warner is determined to repay the faith shown in him by Norwich City’s academy coaches, after signing his first professional contract.
Warner has signed a long-term deal though until the summer of 2024, with the option for a further 12 months as well, shortly after celebrating his 18th birthday in late October.
The defender was a regular at under-18 level last season, making 14 appearances, and has been on the bench for five games at under-23 level so far during the current campaign.
“It’s a dream come true really,” he said. “It’s what I’ve been working for since being a young boy and to finally get it is a proud moment for me and my family.
“I’ve been here six years now, the club has showed faith in me all the way, it’s been a good experience so far and hopefully there’s many more years to come.”
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Warner has started five of the six games City have played in U18 Premier League South so far this season, currently sitting eighth with two wins, losing 5-1 at Arsenal on Saturday after a 4-3 defeat at Chelsea the week before.
Speaking to the Canaries’ official website, he added: “We’ve had a good start with a couple of losses, but we learn from the losses and as a team this year I think we’ll do very well.”
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Warner was on the bench as the U23 squad won at Plymouth Argyle and Newport County in the EFL Trophy and is hoping to earn a debut soon.
“I believe being involved with the 23s will boost my confidence, being with them more and being able to play will boost that to keep pushing on and hopefully play here one day,” he continued, speaking alongside the Carrow Road pitch.
“We played here last year against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup, lost 2-0, but it was a good game and a good experience. Hopefully, there’ll be many more opportunities to come to play here.”
The defender’s contract follows hot on the heels of academy goalkeeper Joe Rose also signing a new deal with the Canaries.