Western United have prised teenage wonderkid Besian Kutleshi to Tarneit from Isuzu UTE A-League rivals Melbourne City.
The 15-year-old defender – “one of Australia’s biggest young talents” and born and bred in the west – has signed a three-year scholarship deal with Western.
Kutleshi, whose younger brother Rinor plays for Western’s Under-14 side, becomes the youngest player to sign a professional contract at the club.
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He also played a key role in the Subway Joeys’ triumphant ASEAN Under-16 Boys’ Championships last month.
“It’s crazy, a bit unreal. I’ve been growing up my whole life just wanting to sign a professional contract, so it’s quite an unreal experience and a dream come true,” he said.
“Being able to look into the future and see that Western United has a big focus on player development was something that drew me here. It’s exciting and it will ultimately benefit both the players and the club.
“Representing a club from the West, where I’ve grown up and lived my whole life – it’s unreal that I’ve signed.”
Kutleshi joined Melbourne City from local club North Sunshine Eagles in 2022 and made his debut for their senior academy side in VPL 1 this season – aged just 14 in February.
His arrival continues Western United’s youth revolution heading into the 2024-25 season.
Western have signed seven academy players to their maiden professional terms this off-season – Abel Walatee (first professional contract), Khoder Kaddour (first professional contract), Luke Vickery (first professional contract), Luka Coveny, Dylan Leonard, Jordan Lauton and James York.
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“Besian is without doubt one of the country’s most talented young players and we are ecstatic to be able to bring him to Western United on a three-year contract,” said general manager of football Mal Impiombato.
“Especially being from the West, Besian fits our recruitment and development strategy perfectly and has the personal and footballing qualities to reach his enormous potential.
“I know our Green and Black family will be rubbing their hands together at the thought of seeing Besian in action. We can’t for them to see him develop and represent the club.”
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