Goalkeeper Ben Hughes signs first professional deal at Swansea City

Swansea City goalkeeper Ben Hughes has signed his first professional contract with the club, securing his future through to the summer of 2025.

The 19-year-old initially joined the Swans on a scholarship in the summer of 2021, and his impressive performances at under-18 and under-21 level have seen him rewarded with a full-time deal.

The Wales Under-18 international joined the Swans after a spell with National League South side Chippenham Town.

Hughes had linked up with Chippenham’s academy in 2020 after they discovered him playing grassroots football.

He went on to feature regularly for their age-grade sides and also featured on the bench for the senior team.

Hughes has also played age-grade futsal for Wales, and has enjoyed a fine recent run of performances for the under-21s after being handed a debut for the development side.

And Swansea City’s head of academy goalkeeping, Paul Wavell, praised the attitude the teenager has shown since joining the club.

“Ben’s journey has been incredible,” he said.

“He was a local boy who was not really on our radar. He came in on trial and we saw some really good attributes in him.

“From there he has just worked incredibly hard. He has developed a huge amount over the last 18 months and he thoroughly deserves the opportunity to have a pro contract.

“He warrants it, he has been really open to learning and taking on information.

“He has taken his opportunities really well. He has pushed himself and we knew he would be ready when given the chance to step up with the under-21s.

“He has plenty of competition but he responds so well to that.

“When we sat down in the summer and we set out targets for him, they were to make a debut for the under-21s and to try and earn a professional contract. We are sat here in November and he has done both those things and we will need to set him new targets.

“But it tells you everything about Ben and his attitude. He comes in every day with a desire to improve, a complete determination to make saves as a goalkeeper.

“There is plenty for him still to work on and learn, but he absolutely deserves this opportunity.”