Fulham have signed 16-year-old Jay Williams from Newport County on a scholarship basis, as reported by their official site.
The Exiles academy star joins after a trial with the Championship side, during which he impressed the watching coaches. he’s already got Welsh Under 17 honours and has moved for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
Williams plays as a centre half and had been involved in several of his club’s pre-season matches, another chance he seized with both hands.
There is no malice following the move from the Exiles, with academy manager Jorden Gibson saying: “I am delighted to see Jay move to a club like Fulham, not only is it excellent for him but also adds to the growing reputation of academy players coming through our ranks and this move demonstrates the direction in which the academy is moving.
“Jay has been outstanding since I joined Newport and certainly earned the right for this move.”
Williams is delighted to have bagged a move, telling Fulham’s official site; “I’m over the moon to sign for such a big club like Fulham and I can’t wait to get started. My trial went really well and now I’m getting to know the boys it’s all going nicely.
“Playing in the Under-23s whilst on trial is a challenging and good environment, but I’m enjoying it. The boys have had a great start against Spurs and they’re all really good players, hopefully I can add a bit extra.
Newport have started their season with two draws, the most recent of which came this weekend against Cambridge United.
Our View
It’s always bittersweet to see moves like this. Of course, it’s great for Newport who get money, and for the young lad who gets to go to a bigger club with good facilities.
I just feel his route to senior football has got further, not shorter. Sometimes, that senior exposure is what makes a player into a star. Nice academies and facilities are all well and good, but Under 23 football is no substitute for the real thing.
