Melbourne City have signed academy gem Beckham Baker on a three-year deal set to run until the end of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2027-28 season.
The 16-year-old attacking midfielder’s first professional contract includes an option to extend for a further two years which, if taken, would see Baker remain at the club until mid-2030.
Baker first joined the City academy in 2019 at the age of 10 following a stint in England, where he trained and played with Manchester United U10s, Manchester City U10s and Chelsea U10s as an eight-year-old.
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After three years in City’s academy, Baker returned to Europe in 2022 to join the academy of LaLiga side Villarreal. He then rejoined City in 2024.
Named after England and Manchester United legend David Beckham, Baker is a versatile attacking weapon whose form for City’s VPL1 side has been nothing short of sensational for a 16-year-old academy prospect.
Baker has notched 11 goals and eight assists in 20 VPL1 games – including a stunning free-kick in a 3-0 win over Langwarrin SC last week.
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Now signed to City for the next three years, with an option to extend his first pro deal by an additional two seasons, Baker has been described as one of the club’s most exciting academy prospects, with senior academy manager Simon Zappia praising the 16-year-old as a tireless worker with stellar technical ability.
“Beckham is a fantastic kid – always smiling, eager to learn, and consistently pushing to get better,” Zappia said.
“He’s worked tirelessly to build a strong technical foundation, and since returning to City has developed significantly in both his physical presence and tactical understanding.
“He’s had an outstanding impact on our VPL1 team this season, and we’re excited to see him take the next step towards senior football.”
City director of football Michael Petrillo added: “Beckham is one of the most exciting young players to come through our Academy in recent years, and we’re thrilled to have secured his future at the Club.
“He possesses a strong technical foundation paired with a clear focus and hunger to develop – which has shown in his performances this season.
“We’re confident, that with the ability and the attitude he has that he has the potential to make a real impact in the years ahead.”
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Baker will hope to follow in the footsteps of several academy guns who have made their mark in City’s first team in recent years; Medin Memeti, Max Caputo, Kavian Rahmani and Lawrence Wong all made significant contributions to the club’s Isuzu UTE A-League Championship triumph in 2024-25 after graduating from the academy.
“Signing my first professional contract is a dream come true and doing it at a Club I’ve called home for so long makes it even more special,” Baker said.
“Being part of Melbourne City has helped me grow on and off the pitch, and I know I’m in the best place to keep developing.
“This is just the beginning. I’m ready to put in the work, keep growing, and make sure I’m ready when my chance comes.”
