Crystal Palace are yet to make any new signings as the majority of Pierre Sage’s squad remain on international duty, but a new contract has now been announced as Joel Drakes-Thomas signs a professional deal.
The 17-year-old became the youngest Englishman ever to feature in the UEFA Conference League last season when starting the 2-2 draw against KuPS at the age of just 16 years and 192 days, and his progress has now been recognised as a first professional contract is penned.
Drakes-Thomas already appears to have made an impact on senior players at Crystal Palace, as Dean Henderson and Eddie Nketiah reacted with delight after the news was announced on Instagram.
Would Oliver Glasner ruin his Crystal Palace legacy by moving to Nottingham Forest? 🤔
Mark Bright also amongst those to respond as Joel Drakes-Thomas signs professional contract
There seems to be real excitement about the England U17 international within the Crystal Palace squad.
After hearing the news, Henderson took the time while away at the World Cup with England to write: “Let’s go brother!! Fully deserved hard work starts now ❤️”
Spoken like a true captain.
Nketiah also reacted, posting: “Player, congrats lil bro ❤️”
Mark Bright left a lengthier comment advising Drakes-Thomas on what must happen next. The former Crystal Palace striker wrote: “Congratulations Joel, now for the next steps on your ladder, keep learning, keep working, keep evolving, onwards and upwards. MB ❤️💙”
Romain Esse – who seems eager to impress Sage – also left a comment, posting two heart emojis (❤️❤️) after hearing the teenager had signed a professional contract.
In good news for Drakes-Thomas, there are more games in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League (eight) compared to the UEFA Conference League (six).
However, given the increased quality of the opposition, Sage may find it harder to hand the Wandsworth-born attacker a similar opportunity to the one he received against KuPS last term.
It means a potential loan move could be in store for Drakes-Thomas, or else Crystal Palace risk wasting a year of his development like they did with Jesurun Rak-Sakyi in the 2023/24 campaign.
Whatever happens with the Crystal Palace No.86 this summer, there seems to be real excitement over his potential amongst the senior players in the squad, which bodes very well indeed.
