The English Premier Club (EPL) is hailed as one of the most elite leagues in football with star-studded players who engage in the competition for the ultimate bragging rights - winning the trophy.
Since time immemorial, playing in the EPL is every footballer's dream as they get to test their mettle against the top-notch players in the industry.
In the case of Aymen Lucas Onyango, he signed for Manchester City Academy at the tender age of nine. The news was announced by former Kenya 7s player, Lucas Onyango on Monday, April 17.
"Our son Aymen Lucas Onyango is now officially a Manchester City player after signing for the Under 9’s. In my life, I have never been this proud and this boy has worked hard to get here. The journey begins now as he progresses through the academy. We are all over the moon," he stated.
Four other players who broke the internet owing to their deals include:
Leo Messo
The 12-year-old wonderkid made headlines when he joined Arsenal Academy from rivals West Ham in May 2021.
Messo's deal came to fruition through a scholarship contract and was received by Arsenal Youth Academy manager Per Mertesacker. Details about the contract, however, remained scanty.
The player's father was a renowned rugby player during his school days at Cardinal Otunga, before moving his family to London, United Kingdom.
Mwadime Kazungu
Rising star Kazungu became the talk of the town after he turned down Tottenham Hotspur to join Leicester City's under-15s.
The 15-year-old is hailed as a prospect for the EPL club and the national team Harambee Stars.
Born and bred in the northwest of London, Kazungu made his mark after he signed with MK Dons ( English Football League One club) where he trained for a three-year period.
At the time, he played in various tournaments and was ranked among the best players as his team emerged victorious.
He was scouted by top clubs who noticed how versatile he was in playing both flanks in a game. As a result, one of the Leicester City scouts invited him to their academy for try-outs and they were fascinated by the way he played - which led to a contractual agreement.
Silko Amari Otieno
Unknown to many, a 19-year-old Kenyan plays for Chelsea's Under 19s.
According to the Chelsea Official site, the player signed in the Academy as an under-10 months after his parents had relocated to the country.
Owing to his passion for football, he would play in the streets and participate in local tournaments in London before a Chelsea official noticed his skills.
After joining the Chelsea Academy, he tried out various positions including goalkeeper, forward and midfielder. Ultimately, he settled to play forward.
At the end of the 2022 January transfer window, Otieno was named in the full Chelsea squad, solidifying his spot in the Academy.
George Gitau
Hailed as another top prospect, Gitau was one of the star players for selection among top clubs in the Premier League.
At only 19 years old, Gitau has had short stints at Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion.
Through the scholarship recruitment, he signed for Middlesbrough in July 2020. The Kenyan was praised by the coaches for his athleticism, ball possession tactics and finesse.
