Arsenal’s Maalik Hashi has signed professional terms with the club, with the Gunners confirming the youth midfielder has now put pen to paper.
Arsenal have confirmed that Maalik Hashi has signed his first professional contract with the club, with the player admitting it’s a big milestone for him.
“I’m really excited, it’s a proud moment for me and my family,” Hashi said. “It’s not only me on this journey.
“It’s my family with me as well and helping me every day to get better. I started probably in the garden with my dad, just doing kick ups and then found my way at Arsenal.
“Then from there, got the two years to under-16s, then got my scholarship and now we’re here.”
Professional contracts usually last for two seasons in addition to the current campaign, as they aren’t allowed to last longer than three years. So although Arsenal never confirm the length of pro deals, it’s likely Hashi is now under contract until 2028.
Players become eligible for professional contracts at 17, meaning Hashi has been able to sign one since September. It’s evidently taken a few months to get it sorted, but he’s now put pen to paper and made it official.
Hashi has made 19 appearances for the Arsenal academy this season, primarily featuring for the u18s but also playing twice for the u19s in the UEFA Youth League and once for the u21s in the Premier League 2.
Given the teenager had only played seven times for the u18/21s before this season, this has been a breakthrough year for him, and this new contract is further proof of that.