Western United young gun Abel Walatee will be a staple of the club’s future having signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 20-year-old has committed until the end of the 2025-26 A-League Men’s season, giving Western United supporters at least the next two years to enjoy his mesmerising attacking play.
Walatee made an immediate impact on the first team with his explosive athleticism in three substitute appearances this season.
Walatee scored his first goal against Perth Glory in April and enthralled supporters with his electrifying style of play.
A member of Western United’s inaugural academy squad, Walatee is overjoyed to commit to the club and expressed his gratitude for the support he has received.
“I’ve been working hard for this, and I’ve finally got it,” he said. “It’s pretty much the best thing that’s happened to me in my life, so I can’t wait for next season.”
Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato is delighted that the fans in the west will be able to see more of Walatee’s talents in the coming years.
“Abel made an outstanding contribution in his first A-League Men matches and we are thrilled to lock in his signature for the next two seasons,” he said.
“We are committed to providing a platform for our explosive young players to join the first team and contribute to a fast, entertaining brand of football that our fans can love watching, and Abel will be a major part of that.
“Abel has already shown us what he is capable in the first team, and I’m sure the fans can’t wait to see more of him in the Green and Black.”
Walatee will continue playing a vital role in United’s senior academy side, which currently sits in fourth place on the Victorian Premier League 1 table.
