Besian Kutleshi has become the youngest player to sign a professional contract at Western United after inking a three-year scholarship contract with the A-League men’s club.
The 15-year-old will arrive at Ironbark Fields after playing an important role in the Joeys’ recent success at the ASEAN under-16 boys championships, featuring in every match and converting in the penalty shootout in the final.
Born and bred in the west, Kutleshi played his junior football at North Sunshine Eagles before moving to Melbourne City in the 2022 season.
It was there that Kutleshi has continued to develop, incredibly making his senior Victorian Premier League 1 debut at 14 in February this year.
With all the hallmarks of a modern-day centre-back, Kutleshi possesses physical attributes and athleticism well beyond his years as well as superb ball-playing ability, whether that be feeding progressive passes for his teammates or driving out from the back himself.
Kutleshi joins his brother Rinor at Western United, who plays in the under-14’s side, and he said he is eager to make an impact after committing his future to his hometown club.
“It’s crazy, a bit unreal. I’ve been growing up my whole life just wanting to sign a professional contract, so it’s quite an unreal experience and a dream come true,” he said.
“Being able to look into the future and see that Western United has a big focus on player development was something that drew me here. It’s exciting and it will ultimately benefit both the players and the club.”
“Representing a club from the west, where I’ve grown up and lived my whole life – it’s unreal that I’ve signed.”
United football general manager Mal Impiombato hailed Kutleshi as an incredibly exciting signing for the future.
“Besian is without doubt one of the country’s most talented young players and we are ecstatic to be able to bring him to Western United on a three-year contract,” he said.
“Especially being from the west, Besian fits our recruitment and development strategy perfectly and has the personal and footballing qualities to reach his enormous potential.”
