Kai Yearn and Saleem Akanbi sign professional contracts at Cambridge United

Kai Yearn and Saleem Akanbi have signed professional contracts with Cambridge United.

The teenagers have both been with the club since a young age, and followed hot on the heels of Glenn McConnell by putting pen to paper with the club.

Yearn, 17, made five first team appearances for the U’s last season and became the youngest scorer in the club’s history when finding the net in his senior debut against Oxford United in the Papa John’s Trophy.

“I am over the moon,” Yearn said. “It is what I have been waiting for so I am happy to have finally signed.

“Hopefully I can push on next season and have another good one. Now it’s about getting that next one and progressing in my footballing career.”

Akanbi has been with the U’s since the age of eight, and caught the eye in the run to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

“I am absolutely delighted,” Akanbi said.

“It has been a phenomenal journey over the years. I have had a lot of experiences that have helped me grow as a player and to get to this point is fantastic.

“As a local lad, growing up in the area, all I know is Cambridge so it definitely means that much more.”

United academy manager Dom Knighton said: “We are delighted that we are in a position to offer Kai his first professional contract. We have been thrilled with Kai’s progression this season which has included another international call up with England under-17s. The exposure that he has had to the first team environment has been really pleasing and will only continue to benefit Kai in his development.

“Kai is an exciting player who has the ability to create match winning moments of which we have seen this season in the FA Youth Cup and also in the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup final at the Abbey Stadium.

“Saleem has had to show an incredible level of discipline and resilience during his scholarship programme, firstly to overcome and return from a serious injury as well as dedicating a lot of time into his studies when not on the football pitch.

“Saleem is another player that has progressed from under-nines to gain a professional contract with the football club which will be a proud moment for Saleem and his family but also all the staff past and present that have played an integral part in his holistic development to date.

“Saleem is a powerful wide player with an eye for goal and with an increased level of exposure to senior football we are confident he will continue to kick on and fulfil his potential.”