Tottenham Signs Marcus Edwards to Two-Year Deal

Another Tottenham academy graduate has just been given a full-time contract, this time it’s 17-year-old attacking midfielder, Marcus Edwards.

The Guardian reports that Marcus Edwards has signed his first professional contract for two years with Tottenham Hotspur.

Last October, Edwards was the top choice for Spurs as their best prospect in The Guardian’s article about the next generation of players for each Premier League club.

Mainly a number 10, Marcus Edwards can be deployed on the outside as a winger too. And based on a couple of closed door friendlies at Hotspur Way, that was certainly the case with the 17-year-old playing on the right wing.

With Mauricio Pochettino still seeking reinforcements for his squad, particularly at attacking midfield to help add another threat behind Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Son Heung-Min, should Tottenham not be able to sign anyone who is willing to sit idly by on the bench, Marcus Edwards could be one option.

Because Spurs and Edwards agreed on a two-year deal, (it’s unknown if this is the minimum contract for youth players), it gives Pochettino at most, one full year for Edwards to get enough playing time to see what he could do in the Premier League or cup competitions and not just in pre-season.

Pre-season for the young attacking midfielder was just the appetizer. The main dish is being able to make it onto the Argentine manager’s substitutes’ bench this year. Before, eventually working his way into a rotational squad role.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 26: Marcus Edwards of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball during the 2016 International Champions Cup match between Juventus FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) /

Interestingly enough, in The Guardian’s article linked up top, Marcus Edwards should have already been a full-time member of Tottenham when he first turned 17 on December 3rd of last year.

But it appeared that the two parties couldn’t agree on personal terms for a couple of months (perhaps his wages were lower than he had expected or he wanted to be assured of more playing time?).

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Because of the delay in negotiations, there was a worry that Edwards could have been poached by a rival club which would have been a huge blow to Spurs’ youth setup, to lose a talented attacking midfielder.

Of course that isn’t a worry now following today’s two-year agreement.

What comes next, is when will Marcus Edwards actually make his first-team debut?

Will it be soon with Son Heung-Min currently off in the Olympics? Or during Tottenham’s first League or FA cup fixture?

Because Son is representing South Korea in Brazil and will at most miss Tottenham’s first game, plus Tottenham selling Alex Pritchard to Brighton & Hove Albion for £8 million, a roster spot is now available.

This could very well be the opening that Marcus Edwards needs to stake a claim in the 25-man squad for this season. As well as for Mauricio Pochettino to get the 17-year-old midfielder some playing time.

Next: Tottenham to Sell Alex Pritchard to Brighton

Again, while a two-year deal seems small, that’s not something to worry about in the short or long term. All it takes is some fine performances from now until the end of the season — or through the winter at the very least for Marcus Edwards to guarantee himself a longer contract.

Josh Onomah is a perfect example of showcasing his talent in a limited amount of appearances before signing a contract extension this past February.

The 19-year-old only made 13 senior appearancse in all competitions before Mauricio Pochettino was convinced he had a future with Spurs. At the end of the year, Onomah appeared in 23 games. Edwards should be looking at an extension this winter if everything goes according to plan.

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