Crystal Palace recruit from Watford handed new contract after catching the eye

Crystal Palace have handed a first professional contract to attacker Zach Marsh. The youngster has committed his future to the Premier League club.

The 17-year-old joined the Eagles from Watford earlier this year and has now been rewarded with a new deal. He has caught the eye playing for the U18s side this term and will now be looking to carry on his development.

Crystal Palace deal

Marsh was brought to Selhurst Park in March to bolster their youth ranks and he is being tipped for a bright future in the game. He is pleased to put pen-to-paper and has told the official club website: “It’s amazing. This is something I’ve always dreamed of. When I was younger, I thought this would be just a dream, but it’s become a reality now.”

Academy Director Gary Issott has said: “Zach is a talented forward who has worked hard to earn his first professional contract. Though he only joined the club in February, he has adapted well to life here in south London. He has hit the ground running this season for the Under-18s and he will no doubt press on in the season ahead and beyond.”

Crystal Palace has proven to be a decent home for young players over the past few years and their academy continues to produce gems. In terms of the first-team, boss Patrick Viera will be hoping his team can bounce back from their 3-0 loss away at Everton last time out.

They are back in action this weekend at home to Southampton. The London club are currently 13th in the league table after picking up 13 points from their opening 11 games.