Youth player Dielan Ghafour has signed his first professional contract with Go Ahead Eagles. The 17-year-old defensive midfielder put pen to paper on a deal that runs until mid-2025 (with an additional option year until mid-2026) at De Adelaarshorst.

"I have gone through all the teams of the Go Ahead Eagles Football Academy since Under-13," Ghafour said. "Over six years ago, I made the switch from Sportclub Lochem to Go Ahead Eagles, and in the beginning, it was a bit challenging and unfamiliar. For instance, I had to take the bus to the club independently. Over time, you get used to a new environment, and I started to develop myself better. I must say that the youth development at Go Ahead Eagles has become increasingly professional in recent years. Significant strides have been made in that regard. Nowadays, training sessions last two hours, whereas it used to be only one and a half hours. Or consider the high potential program that has been introduced. The club is making real progress in this area."

In recent years, Ghafour has progressed through various age groups of the Football Academy. This season, he is playing for Under-18. How would he describe himself as a footballer? "I always give my all in individual duels. Additionally, I bring a lot of energy and try to transmit that energy to my teammates." Since the beginning of this season, Ghafour has been training with the first team of Go Ahead Eagles every Monday and Tuesday. "In the middle of the previous season, I was informed that I could join the first team for the preparation of the current season," he said. "When I first stepped on the field with the first-team players last summer, I was a bit nervous. You want to make a good impression on yourself. Fortunately, I was warmly welcomed within the group."

Ghafour, who is currently also pursuing a legal education at Aventus and is in his final school year, was already familiar with the names of the first-team players. "Of course! I used to watch those players during the Eredivisie matches that Go Ahead Eagles played. Or on FIFA, haha! It's very nice to suddenly be among them. You look up to those guys."

In addition to training with the first team, Ghafour has also been given playing time in René Hake's squad. "I played in a few friendly matches, for example, against PAOK Saloniki and Borussia Dortmund U23. These are clubs you typically only see on television. It's great to have the opportunity to experience that." His qualities also caught the attention of the coaching staff during the preparation. "So now, I train with the first team two days a week," Ghafour noted. "On other days, I train with Under-18, and on Saturdays, I play my matches for them."

Signing your first professional contract as an Under-18 player is not very common. "I'm very proud to sign for this club. When I told my family and friends, they were ecstatic too. It feels like a new chapter for me, where I will have to prove myself again to everyone within Go Ahead Eagles. And hopefully, eventually to the club's supporters!"

"In the preparation for this season, some youth players were given the opportunity to showcase themselves within the first team," said Technical Manager Paul Bosvelt. "Dielan left a great impression from that group. Combined with his excellent development within the Football Academy, this has led to him signing his first professional contract now." Dielan Ghafour's first professional contract also fills Eric Whittie (Head of Youth Development) with pride. "For Dielan, this marks another step in his career as a footballer. He has been with us since Under-13 and has now signed a contract at the age of seventeen. It's well-deserved. Now, Dielan can hopefully continue building a bright future."

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Bron: Jeugdexponent Dielan Ghafour tekent eerste profcontract - Go Ahead Eagles (ga-eagles.nl)