Preston North End have announced 17-year-old Argentinian striker Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The Brazilian born player has but pen to paper on a three-year deal, and follows in the footsteps of goalkeeper James Pradic whose deal was announced Monday.
Rodriguez-Gentile shot to prominence last December when he scored five goals in one FA Youth Cup game. Having a player born in Brazil to Argentinian parents is quite unique for a club like Preston North End so his progress has been eagerly monitored since then.
Unsurprisingly that display in the cup didn’t go unnoticed, and the striker was reportedly being watched by the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City as reported by The Mirror.
The striker has been training with the first team since the summer, and featured heavily in pre-season, scoring three goals. He then went on to be named on the bench for Preston’s first five games of the season before the arrival of Milutin Osmajic.
As soon as he turned 17 on the 4th October, fans were keen to see Felipe tie his future down to the club, before any bigger teams could tempt him away.
He has already been away with the Argentinian national youth teams, and it is hoped he can make his professional debut with Preston North End now the contract has been signed. Although a loan move could also be on the cards.
It will be tough for him this season, with Ryan Lowe quite often playing just the solo striker up front. Will Keane started the season well with four goals early on, before Osmajic has come to the limelight, including a goal in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Coventry City.
Ched Evans has recently returned from injury as well, and it is hoped Emil Riis will be back soon enough.
Speaking to the official club website after signing the deal, he said “It’s my main goal right now to keep improving, keep working towards that debut and when the chance comes just grasp it and give it my all, and hopefully get a goal which is what I love to do.”
Whilst he has committed his immediate future to Preston, if he continues his impressive form, North End may be powerless if the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United come in with a big offer to tempt the striker.