Arsenal have enjoyed a promising start to the 2025-26 season and currently sit top of the league, heading into their October 18 clash away at Fulham. The Gunners will be eager to win the league, which will support all the promise Mikel Arteta’s squads have provided since his December 20, 2019, appointment.
The club have for many years produced great academy prospects, including Liam Brady, David Rocastle, and Bukayo Saka. It looks like the Gunners have produced another potential star, with 17-year-old Brando Bailey-Joseph signing his first professional contract with the club.
Brando Bailey-Joseph Signs First Professional Contract at Arsenal
Brando Bailey-Joseph Reflects on Signing First Pro Deal
Despite the club’s promising start to the 2025/26 season, those in charge continue to look forward to the future. Brando has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, which has seen him rewarded with this maiden professional deal.
The youngster has spent over 11 years at the Gunners academy, from Hale End to Sobha Realty Training Centre, with his hard work seemingly paying off. Predominantly a left winger, his electric pace and keen eye for goal have stood out.
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Reflecting on signing his deal, Brando said: “I’m very proud of myself.”
“I’m also very proud of everyone who helped support me, but I also feel like it’s not done yet. It’s still a lot of hard work to do, but at the same time, I’m very grateful to the club for providing me with this opportunity.”
Bailey-Joseph Talks Academy Life and Early Success
“It kind of feels like I’ve been here my whole life,” he said. “It’s almost like a family away from home, but at the same time, I realised that it’s starting to get serious now, so I started working harder, and I’m very grateful to the club as well.
“The academy has shown time and time again that it provides all the players with fair opportunities, and I there are lots of ex-pros who will always help guide you in the right direction in order to maximise your career,” added the 17-year-old.
Brando looks up to Eberchi Eze in the first team squad, and if he can have a similar career to the England international, Arsenal will be better for it.
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His electric start to this season has led to the rewards and attention he’s receiving, and discussing that success, Bailey-Joseph said:
“I think it’s down to hard work and also the coaches. They’ve helped guide me into places where I wouldn’t think I would need to be, making sure I’m on the score sheet and making sure I keep a positive mindset.
“I’m just trying to stay on the score sheet as much as possible and also start pushing for the under-18s and under-21s, trying to get as many games as I can this season.”
He might have a long way to go, but Bailey-Joseph has started his career in impressive fashion. If the youngster keeps progressing, it won’t be long before he’s knocking on Mikel Arteta’s door.
