Western United youngster Abel Walatee has signed his first professional contract with the Isuzu UTE A-League side.
The 20-year-old young gun, who made his debut this season, is contracted to the club until the end of 2025-26.
A member of Western’s inaugural academy squad, Walatee came off the bench to make his debut against Adelaide United last month before celebrating a memorable first A-Leagues goal away to Perth Glory in Round 25.
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He finished the campaign with three impressive substitute appearances for John Aloisi’s Western, though he remains in action with the club’s senior academy side in Victoria’s VPL1.
“I’ve been working hard for this, and I’ve finally got it. It’s pretty much the best thing that’s happened to me in my life, so I can’t wait for next season,” said Walatee.
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Western’s general manager of football Mal Impiombato added: “Abel made an outstanding contribution in his first A-League Men matches and we are thrilled to lock in his signature for the next two seasons.
“We are committed to providing a platform for our explosive young players to join the first team and contribute to a fast, entertaining brand of football that our fans can love watching, and Abel will be a major part of that.
“Abel has already shown us what he is capable in the first team, and I’m sure the fans can’t wait to see more of him in the Green and Black.”
