- Victor Salako Jr deregisters from Palace Academy
- He is the nephew of John Salako
- Blow to the academy route
Crystal Palace have reportedly lost a future star as a notable academy player has deregistered from the club allowing him to explore opportunities with other clubs.
Victor Salako Jr is the nephew of Palace legend John Salako who made 215 appearances for the Eagles. He followed in his footsteps by joining Palace’s academy at U9 level.
In April Salako Jr became one of the youngest players to sign a scholarship at Palace, at just 13 years old. At 13 he debuted in the Under 16’s squad gaining an assist in a 3-2 victory over Norwich City. The talented youngster has had attention beyond clubs, as he signed a deal with Adidas ahead of last season.
Salako Jr Deregisters from Academy
In a huge blow to Palace Salako Jr has deregistered from the Palace academy, despite playing for the Eagles since U9s level. The youngster is expected to consider other opportunities at other academies.
Academy interest is likely to be strong, as the 13-year-old has been playing above his age in U15 and U16 Palace teams this season.
A blow to the academy route
While Palace academy was granted Category One status in July 2020 and the youth teams have seen a rapid rise in talent, increasing numbers of star players have looked elsewhere for their future.
The departure of Jessy Derry last summer, and his subsequent first team appearance for Chelsea, shows how Palace academy players are not reassured about the pathway to the first team. Notable players have also been released by Palace academy this week.
Although the path is uncertain, with the likes of Joel Drakes-Thomas making his Premier League debut under Glasner and becoming the youngest Palace player to do so. Palace may need to make it clearer to the future stars that their is a path for them, or they risk losing the talent.
