AMSTERDAM – Fulham academy midfielder Luca de la Torre has inked his first professional contract, committing to the Championship club until the summer of 2018.
The US Under-17 international is hoping to join a long line of countrymen that have suited up for Fulham. Though he’s now officially a pro, the 17-year-old will continue on with the club’s youth teams, with the aim of eventually working his way to the first team.
"It’s a three-year deal, from scholar to pro contract," Cottagers press officer Carmelo Mifsud told MLSsoccer.com. "He is still part of the Under-18s squad."
Despite officially remaining on the U-18 books, de la Torre – who doesn't turn 18 until next May, but can play in England thanks to holding a Spanish passport – already spends a large amount of time with Fulham's U-21 reserve squad. The San Diego native made seven sub appearances in the U-21 Premier League last season and set up the lone goal in the team's season-opening win on Friday.
