Rising Star Laila Harbert Inks First professional deal with Arsenal
Arsenal football Club has secured the future of one of its brightest young talents, Laila Harbert, who signed her first professional contract on her 18th birthday. Harbert’s journey with the Gunners began at the tender age of nine when she joined the club’s esteemed academy in 2016. Since then, she has consistently impressed, progressing thru the ranks and amassing a collection of trophies with both the U16 and U21 squads.
The talented defensive midfielder made her senior debut for Arsenal in a amiable against the A-League All-Stars Women in Melbourne during May 2024. She also featured in the pre-season tour of the United States,coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute against the Washington spirit and contributing to a hard-fought 2-1 victory.While Harbert is yet to make her competitive debut for the club,her performances have generated notable excitement among fans and coaching staff alike.
harbert’s exceptional abilities extend beyond the club level. She is a seasoned youth international for England, having captained the Young Lionesses to their historic first-ever final at the U17 European Championships in Sweden last summer. Even though they narrowly missed out on the title after a 4-0 defeat to Spain, Harbert’s leadership and determination shone through. Her impressive form continued as she led England to a fourth-place finish at the U17 World Cup in October, further cementing her status as a rising star in women’s football.
Expressing her delight at signing her first professional contract, Harbert stated, “This is an incredibly proud moment, not just for me, but for my family and everyone who has supported me along the way. My ambition is to become a regular starter for Arsenal and contribute to the club’s success by winning trophies.”
Clare Wheatley, Director of Women’s Football at Arsenal, echoed Harbert’s sentiments, saying, ”We are thrilled to have Laila sign her first professional contract. She has been an integral part of our academy setup across various age groups and has seamlessly transitioned into the first-team environment thanks to her hard work and dedication. It’s always rewarding to see another promising talent emerge from our academy, and we are eager to witness Laila’s continued development here at Arsenal.”
Arsenal’s Rising Star: An Exclusive Interview with Karen Carney MBE
Laila Harbert’s signing with Arsenal has sent ripples thru the women’s football world. To get some expert insight on this exciting development,we sat down with former England international adn Arsenal legend,Karen Carney MBE.
Welcome, Karen. What are your initial thoughts on Laila Harbert joining Arsenal on professional terms?
Karen: It’s fantastic news, truly. Laila’s been a standout performer in the youth ranks for a while now, and her recent performances in pre-season have shown she’s ready for the step up. Arsenal have a knack for nurturing young talent, and I’m confident Laila will flourish under the guidance of Jonas Eidevall and the coaching staff.
Having captained England at youth level, and even leading them to a historic final at the U17 Euros, she clearly possesses great leadership qualities. What do you think these qualities can bring to Arsenal’s squad?
Karen: absolutely. leadership isn’t just about wearing the armband; it’s about attitude, work ethic, and inspiring those around you. Laila has all those qualities in abundance and they will be invaluable to Arsenal. She’ll bring a youthful energy and drive, which can be infectious in the dressing room and on the pitch.
We know Laila has impressed in pre-season and even featured against the Washington Spirit.Do you think she’s ready to make a significant impact for Arsenal in the upcoming season and potentially challenge for a starting spot?
karen: That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The WSL is fiercely competitive, and breaking into a team like Arsenal is no easy feat, but Laila has the talent and the mentality to do it. Her versatility as a defensive midfielder gives jonas Eidevall options, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her increasingly involved as the season progresses. It will depend on how she adapts to the intensity and physicality of the league,but I have high hopes for her.
Arsenal’s commitment to developing young players is well documented. Do you think laila signing her first professional contract is a sign of good things to come for the club?
Karen: Definitely. Laila’s signing is a testament to Arsenal’s commitment to their academy and their belief in young talent. They’ve shown before they can groom players into stars, and I think Laila has the potential to be the next success story. It’s an exciting time to be an Arsenal fan.
what advice would you give to Laila as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her career?
karen: Keep working hard, stay humble, and enjoy the journey. It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride, with highs and lows, but never lose sight of your love for the game.
It’s clear Laila Harbert is a player to watch for the future. We can all be excited to see what she achieves for Arsenal and for England. What are your thoughts, readers? Do you think Laila will make a splash in the WSL this season? share your opinions in the comments below!
