Official: Manchester United-reared defender Balogun offered new deal by Watford 

Through a statement on their official website, Watford have confirmed their retained and released list at academy level. 

The Hornets have made a decision on the future of promising defender of Nigerian descent Hamzat Balogun after his impressive performances for the U18s over the course of the 2022-2023 season.

The 18-year-old, who was a second year scholar last season, has been offered a contract to extend his stay at Vicarage Road. 

Balogun was on the books of Manchester United for close to a decade before signing scholarship forms with Watford in August 2021. 

If he were to sign the new deal, he would be following in the footsteps of another player of Nigerian descent Tobi Adeyemo, who signed his first professional contract with Watford two months ago. 

An attacking and defensive fullback, Balogun has cited cap-tied Austria international of Nigerian descent David Alaba as his role model. 

Last season, Balogun  helped Watford U21s qualify for the finals of the Herts Senior Challenge Cup, and also starred as the U18s reached the fifth round of the prestigious FA Youth Cup. 

At first team level, former Nigeria U23 international Tom Dele-Bashiru, Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, winger  Joseph Hungbo and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye have all been retained. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: watfordfc.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com