Travis Patterson signs first professional contract with Aston Villa on 17th birthday

Aston Villa have confirmed Travis Patterson has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The Villans announced on October 6, Patterson’s 17th birthday, that he has put pen to paper on a professional deal.

Villa’s Academy Manager Mark Harrison believes the forward has ‘potential’ after he featured for their Under-21 team at 16-years-old.

“Travis has been with the club since Under-9 so it is great to see him rewarded with a professional contract, a recognition of not only his development so far but also the potential he has,” Harrison said.

“He played last season for the Under-21s as a 16-year-old on several occasions, including the EFL Trophy competition, and also represented England at youth level.

“We really look forward to seeing how he develops over the next few years.”

It was reported in April that Tottenham Hotspur were interested in the 17-year-old after his performances for the Villans’ U23 team last season.

According to Football Insider, Spurs sent scouts to watch him and were impressed by his display, leading to them recommending the forward to the club’s hierarchy.

Patterson took to social media to express his delight of signing a professional contract with the Villas.

“Delighted to have signed my first professional contract.” he posted on Instagram.

The forward is expected to be part of Villa’s U18s squad for the 2022-23 campaign, though could continue to feature for the U21 when needed.