Aston Villa hand highly-rated teenager first professional deal

Aston Villa have handed Ben Broggio his first professional contract, as announced by their official club website.

The highly-rated 16-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a long-term deal with the Premier League side.

Broggio, who is an England youth international, has risen up through the academy ranks at Villa Park and is being tipped for a bright future with the Midlands outfit.

He has been a regular for Aston Villa at various youth levels over recent years and despite his tender age, he has become a key player for the Under-21's this season.

The attacking midfielder signed scholarship terms only last summer.

Academy manager Mark Harrison has told the club website: “We are delighted to see Ben sign his first professional contract now that he has turned 17.

“He is a local lad from Sutton Coldfield who has been at the Academy for many years and has represented England at youth level as well as becoming a member of the Under-21s whilst still only 16.

“He is a creative attacking midfield player and we look forward to seeing how he develops over the next few years. It’s a proud moment for Ben and his family, who I would like to thank for their commitment over the last few years and also thank all the staff involved in Ben’s development.”

Broggio is a name to keep an eye out for over the coming years as he looks to break into the first-team as he looks to become the next Aston Villa star.