Chelsea have announced that academy prospect Frankie Runham has signed his first professional contract with the club. The 17-year-old joins a growing number of current Cobham stars to be tied down.
Runham has spent nearly 10 years at Chelsea, progressing into the Under-18s last year with his first taste of FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League football. He is now aiming to get himself into the clubs thinking in the long-term.
As a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line as well as in deeper positions too, Runham has developed into a regular under Hassan Sulaiman. He has now started the last seven games with a goal and two assists coming.
“We are delighted Frankie will continue his development at Chelsea,” said head of youth development and recruitment, Jim Fraser. “He has consistently showcased his versatility and quality for our Under 17s and 18s and we look forward to seeing even more as this season progresses.”
Runham joins a long list of Cobham hopefuls starting to commit their mid-term future to the club after highly-rated full-back Josh-Kofi Acheampong also penned a senior deal earlier this month. He is an England youth international and is seen as one of the best coming through in the Surrey-based academy.
It follows the club’s two newest debutants, Michael Golding and Alfie Gilchrist, being given roles in the men’s set-up under Mauricio Pochettino. Although the Argentine has been in charge of the club during a brief period that has seen Mason Mount and Lewis Hall depart with no attempt from the club to hide their willingness to let Conor Gallagher, Ian Maatsen, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja go, it has been a positive year so far for young players coming through.
