Teenage Melbourne City academy product Mathew Baker has signed his first professional contract, committing to the club on a three-year deal with the option to extend by a further two years.
The 16-year-old defender first joined City’s academy in 2021 after a stint in the club’s City Football Schools program.
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A standout for Indonesia at youth international level throughout his time in City’s academy, Baker becomes just the fifth player to have progressed through City’s entire player development pathway to sign a senior Isuzu UTE A-League contract.
Baker joins defenders Peter Antoniou and Jayden Necovski, goalkeeper Lachie Charles and midfielder Lawrence Wong in the special five-player club.
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The 16-year-old described signing his first professional deal at City as “a proud moment for me and my family.”
“I’ve grown so much as a player during my time in the academy and am excited to step up to the challenge of the first-team environment to continue my development,” he added.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point, and I’ll be working as hard as I can to repay the faith that Melbourne City has shown in me.”
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Melbourne City senior academy manager Simon Zappia said Baker, who made his senior City debut in the Australia Cup Round of 32 this year, will make his presence felt in the senior squad throughout the duration of his first pro deal.
“It’s always a really proud moment to see a player progress through our full player development pathway,” Zappia said.
“After his time in City Football Schools, Mathew’s dedication to his craft, work ethic and maturity have seen him develop quickly throughout his time in the Academy.
“We’re excited to see him earn his first senior contract and have no doubt that he can make an impact at first-team level in the years ahead.”
