With a statement on their official website, Championship club Watford have confirmed that Manchester United-reared defender Hamzat Balogun has extended his contract.

The Hornets revealed last month that contract offers were made to several players within the academy ranks including Balogun. 

The Nigerian youngster has accepted the contract proposal from Watford, having put pen to paper on a one-year deal until at least the end of the 2023-2024 season.

The new contract signed by Balogun has an option for an additional season in the club's favour. 

Balogun is the second teenager of Nigeria descent to go pro at Watford since April, following in the footsteps of Tobi Adeyemo who made five appearances for the first team last season and scored four minutes into his Championship debut.

A fullback by trade, Balogun was at the Manchester United academy for close to a decade before he was released in the summer of 2021.

The 18-year-old put that disappointment behind him after his transfer to the Hornets, turning in some standout performances for their youth teams, and he has now been rewarded with his first professional contract. 

Balogun describes himself as an attacking and defensive fullback who is pretty quick and good on the ball.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: watfordfc.com 

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