WOLVES ACADEMY: NEW CONTRACTS AND A NEW SIGNING

Over the last week three academy players earned new contracts whilst one ‘new’ signing finally arrived at Wolves:

Alfie White

Right-back Alfie White has been given his first professional contract after progressing through the youth ranks since just eight years old. 17-year-old White made his debut in the U18 Premier League as long ago as November 2022 and has continued to feature in the competition in the years since, making 11 appearances last season. White’s development has hit a high this campaign though, featuring regularly for the U21s even getting a chance to play against senior opposition with a start against Port Vale in the Bristol Street Motors trophy. White is a versatile player who can play in the midfield or even as a centre-back if required.

Fabian Reynolds

Jamaican U20 international Fabian Reynolds has been rewarded with a new contract following an impressive season last time around that included a PL2 debut against Crystal Palace on the 1^st September last year as a substitute. Reynolds made 22 U18 Premier League appearances during the 2023/24 season that included 3 goals and 1 assist. Reynolds also scored in the FA Youth Cup, with Wolves’ only goal in a 1-1 draw and eventual penalty loss to QPR. Reynolds also scored his first goal for Jamaica U20s against Bermuda back in February. Reynolds is a player capable of playing on either wing though is usually on the right side of the attack.

Testimony Igbinoghene

Former Manchester City left-back Testimony Igbinoghene joined Wolves back in July of 2022 and has since shined for the U18s whilst also progressing towards the U21s. Last season Testimony made 23 U18 Premier League appearances and also appeared on the bench for a Bristol Street Motors Trophy match against Notts County, but didn’t manage to make it on to the pitch. It was a similar story this season as Igbinoghene again nearly debuted in the competition when he was named among the substitutes to face Port Vale but Igbinoghene has been forced to be patient once more. Nevertheless, Testimony has now progressed into the U21 set-up with this new deal and will hope to fight for his place in James Collins’ side with new arrival Ethan Sutherland and Aaron Keto-Diyawa also staking claim for the left full-back position.

Luke O’Donnell

Republic of Ireland youth international Luke O’Donnell was initially supposed to join Wolves last year as a first-year scholar but due to unforeseen circumstances ended up signing his first professional contract with Derry City instead but now joins Wolves for an undisclosed six-figure fee. 17-year-old O’Donnell has already made his professional debut when he appeared as a substitute in a League of Ireland fixture against St. Pats Athletic aged just 16 and now he will initially link up with the U18s as he should have done last year. O’Donnell is a midfielder with outstanding physical attributes when it comes to strength and athleticism, but he is also tidy on the ball with an impressive passing range. He can also operate as a centre-back when needed. O’Donnell is no doubt a player to watch with a bright future ahead of him. It’s not often a team will be willing to pursue a player for a year to make a deal happen which is an incredible testament to how highly Wolves rate the Irish teenager.