Kiwi teen signs pro contract with Premier League club
12:45pmMarley Leuluai signs with Burnley FC with his family by his side. (Source: Supplied)
Rising Kiwi footballer Marley Leuluai has signed his first professional contract with Burnley FC in the English Premier League.
The teen penned the deal on his 17th birthday, which will see him through until the summer of 2026.
The under-18s defender joined Burnley at the end of last season on a two-year scholarship from Manchester City.
"It's a dream come true to sign my first professional contract. That's it really, I can't say much more, it's a dream," Leuluai said.
“I think it’s been the perfect transition to be honest, joining Burnley’s Academy. The style of play we’re trying to play; I’ve been playing that all my life, so it’s been a really good transition and I’m loving every minute. It’s been really good so far.”
Burnley's first team is managed by Vincent Kompany, a former Manchester City captain.
Leuluai helped New Zealand qualify for the under-17 World Cup and is in Indonesia for the tournament, which kicks off on Friday.
He is the son of former NRL rugby league player Kylie Leuluai, who was a Samoan international and also represented New Zealand Māori.
The New Zealand U17 team's first match is on Sunday against Venezuela