Chelsea prospect Genesis Antwi has committed his future to the club, singing a new three-year contract with an option for another two years.
The 18-year-old made two first team appearances last season under Enzo Maresca, in the UEFA Conference League against Copenhagen and Djurgardens.
The Swedish defender was also included in a Premier League matchday squad, but is yet to make an appearance in the top flight.
He has been progressing through Chelsea’s academy impressively, though, since joining in the Under-12s, now performing for the Under-21s.
Antwi as also been capped through the youth levels by Sweden, having briefly played for England Under-16s.
Get personalised updates on Chelsea every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
In a statement on Thursday, the club wrote: ‘Chelsea is pleased to announce that Genesis Antwi has signed a new three-year contract with the Blues, which includes a further two-year option.’
Explaining the youngster’s talents earlier this year, Chelsea posted: ‘Genesis has displayed his versatility while representing our Academy sides. He has been used as a full-back on both flanks and has also been deployed as a wing-back.’
Maresca sounded impressed with the teenager last season after giving him a run out in the Conference League.
‘We try always to give them chances when they deserve. For part of the season he was working with us when we needed him,’ said the Blues boss.
‘We call him and he works with us. He’s doing well with the U21s, and also he’s doing well when we call him, so we are happy to give him the chance.’
Antwi spoke himself in April about how he has been developing in the Chelsea academy set-up.
‘The season is not over yet, but it has already been a great one for me,’ he said in April this year. ‘Playing with the Under-18s has been so valuable. This season, we’ve had a really young squad, so being one of the older players has meant I’ve had to step up more. It’s pushed me to grow, not just as a player but as a leader.
‘I have gained a lot of confidence, both on and off the pitch. I have learned how important it is to lead, to be vocal and to support my team-mates when needed. That has been one of the biggest areas of growth for me this season.
‘I noticed straight away how much more physical it is in the Under-21s. You are up against players with senior experience, sometimes two years older. But that is how you improve. You have to compete against the best if you want to become the best.
‘I have managed to get on the scoresheet a couple of times, which is always a great feeling. Lately, I have been playing higher up the pitch. It has been a different challenge, but learning to adapt is crucial.
‘I enjoy using my speed to create problems for defenders and I am working hard on becoming more clinical in front of goal. Wherever I am asked to play, I will give everything to help the team win.’
