New Swansea City contract for Azeem Abdulai

Swansea City midfielder Azeem Abdulai has put pen to paper on a contract through to at least the summer of 2025.

Abdulai’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season, while his new deal includes the option of a further year’s extension through to 2026.

The 19-year-old, who can also play in defence, made his senior debut for the Swans in the Carabao Cup meeting with Oxford United earlier this season.

He was also named in the matchday squad for the FA Cup tie against Southampton and the Championship fixture against Queens Park Rangers duringthe 2021-22 campaign.

Abdulai has been a regular for the club’s under-21 side this term, proving an accomplished performer in the middle of the park or at centre-half where his ability on the ball has made him a good fit within the club’s style of play.

The Scot began his career with the Jimmy Johnstone academy – a charitable foundation and community hub based in Glasgow.

From there he spent a number of years on the books with Celtic, before – after trials with Brentford and AFC Wimbledon - going on to have a stint with Leicester City.

He joined the Swans in the summer of 2021, and was soon handed the opportunity to train and be involved in the first-team set-up.

“Azeem has been a fantastic addition for us since he has come into the club,” said Swansea City’s senior professional development phase coach Jon Grey.

“Having been released from previous clubs he has shown a great attitude. Not every player’s path is straightforward or easy and he has dealt with some disappointments and used them as motivation.

“He has gone through some twists and turns but we cannot speak highly enough of him, he has picked up and learned a new position.

“He came in as a defender but has played more in midfield and adapted to it really well.

“He has certainly earned a new contract, and the next stage for him now is to get some experience of men’s football, be that here or on loan, and to get a feel for what it is like to play for three points on a Saturday.

“He has done well for us and had time with the first team and made his debut. That is fantastic, it’s just that next step for him now.”

Swansea City can also confirm that Kai Ludvigsen, Ruben Davies and Kian Jenkins have all signed short-term contracts through to the end of June 2023. The trio had been due to be out of contract in January.