Emmanuel Sol-Loza, a talented 17-year-old forward, has officially signed his first professional contract with Charlton Athletic. The young prospect, who has been part of Charlton’s academy since the U12 level, is currently in his first season as a full-time scholar with the U18s team. He has also made appearances for the U21s under coach Chris Lock.
Sol-Loza’s remarkable performance includes a memorable hat-trick at The Valley, which helped Charlton’s U16s clinch the Premier League Professional Development League Cup championship back in May. Reflecting on his journey, Sol-Loza expressed his joy at signing his first professional contract, especially coming right after his birthday. He credited his coaches, family, and supporters for their unwavering support throughout his development.
Academy manager Tom Pell praised Sol-Loza’s work ethic, attitude, and performance on the field. He emphasized the importance of rewarding players who not only show great potential but also demonstrate the right mindset and dedication to their craft. Pell described Sol-Loza as an exciting player with speed, power, and a strong mentality, particularly highlighting his ability to make impactful runs as a number nine.
Technical director Andy Scott echoed Pell’s sentiments, expressing delight in Sol-Loza’s commitment to the club. Scott identified the young player as someone with immense talent and potential to make significant contributions to the first-team squad in the coming years. Sol-Loza joins a growing list of academy players who have pledged their future to Charlton, as the club aims to cultivate a core group of individuals who can grow and evolve alongside the team’s progress.
The signing of Sol-Loza represents Charlton’s investment in nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to thrive within the club. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on Sol-Loza as he continues to develop and showcase his skills on the field. Charlton supporters can look forward to seeing the promising forward make his mark and potentially become a key player for the team in the future.