Official: Midfielder who is open to representing Nigeria signs new deal with Bournemouth

Through a statement on the official website, Premier League club Bournemouth have announced that five members of the club's academy have agreed fresh contracts, including promising Nigerian midfielder Malachi Ogunleye. 

Charlie Stevens and Karlos Gregory who are midfielders, defender Archie Harris and winger Remy Rees-Dottin have also put pen-to-paper on new deals.

Ogunleye has agreed new terms with the club after making the step up from the U18s to the development squad.

The 18-year-old has been with Bournemouth since the age of 11 and signed a scholarship deal before the beginning of the 2023-2024 season.

Last season, he captained the Cherries in the U18 Professional Development League and FA Youth Cup, and also featured in the Professional Development League and Premier League Cup.

Before joining Bournemouth, Ogunleye turned out for the youth teams of Chamberlayne, Netley Royals and Fareham Town.

Born in Southampton to Nigerian parents Olamide and Katie, the versatile midfielder stated last year he was open to representing Nigeria. 

He told Bournemouth's official website: "I’ve had some recognition from the newspapers in Nigeria so it’s been nice to see that. 

"I would be honoured to play for either country and, hopefully, one day I’ll get to make a choice."

A multi-talented teenager, Ogunleye previously made a name for himself as a champion break dancer on the south coast before dedicating himself to football.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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