ACADEMY: Contract extensions for Forsyth and Mahovo. Myles next?

Yesterday at 07:48 AM

Over the last few weeks, City have secured the futures of two promising young players, with Gabe Forsyth and Lucien Mahovo signing extended professional contracts. 

Both have featured prominently for the first team, making matchday squads regularly, with Forsyth even making his full debut during Norwich's first league game of the season. 

However, one player who's also been prominently involved with the first team is talented teenager Elliot Myles, who was integrated into the senior side during pre-season and has trained frequently with them while playing occasionally for the U21s. 

Myles made his first-team debut for the club during the opening round of the Carabao Cup against Stevenage, coming on as a late substitute. Since then, he hasn't had any minutes with the first team despite being highly regarded. 

But, although Mahovo and Forsyth have been secured on longer-term deals, Myles has yet to sign an additional contract with his current deal set to expire in 2026. Given the youngster’s pedigree, it's very likely the club has attempted to tie him down to a longer deal in order to reward him for his progress. 

Forsyth's pedigree in the game has increased as he's performed admirably at Championship level, settling into the side confidently. The Scottish teenager provided control to the team in deep and advanced areas. 

The Scottish midfielder aligns with Thorup's methods as his playing style adapts into multiple roles of the Dane's system. 

Due to the sublime quality of Forsyth's left foot, he's been a useful resource to integrate into a right-sided pocket position, allowing him to drift infield onto his left foot, and providing opportunities for his teammates.

^{Gabe Forysth has impressed Johannes Hoff Thorup. Credit: BBC Sport}

Furthermore, in central midfield the teenager has been willing to show for the ball repeatedly, giving his centre-backs a forward passing option. Once receiving the ball from his defenders, he shows his intelligence by playing on the half-turn, opening up bigger angles of space to manoeuvre the ball across the pitch. 

Forysth has relished the freedom provided by the new manager as he’s confident in demanding the ball from his peers. Given the complexities of Throup's system, Forsyth has demonstrated an urge to make a difference during games, highlighting his strong mentality. 

Although Mahovo hasn't had the same opportunities as Forsyth this season, he has demonstrated his long-term worth to Norwich with many encouraging performances at the development level. 

The teenager has shown his ability to execute multiple roles in the left-back position across the season — performing as both a high and wide, and an inverted full-back. Considering Throup's flexible management with his full-backs across the campaign, Mahovo has an opportunity to break into the first team as he is capable of fulfilling multiple profiles, depending on match situations. 

Mahovo has been the most consistent player for the development side, as he represents the playing style of the team perfectly. The left-sided defender responds to opposition pressure calmly, playing through congested areas accurately. 

^{Mahovo has been a smart signing by the Norwich hierarchy. Credit: Gorleston FC}

Whether Mahovo can replicate Forsyth's minutes for the first team might be a stretch, but if Norwich's injury crisis continues he may be called upon. However, the most likely outcome for the youngster will be minutes for the first team next season, especially as Callum Doyle will return to Manchester City. 

Elliot Myles is a player whom the club sees a huge long-term future for as he's constantly played above his age group for several years. Myles was only 15 when he made his U18s debut, underlining the chances he's been receiving at a young age. 

The 2024-25 campaign has been a rollercoaster for the 17-year-old, as he's been experimented in a deeper midfield role. Earlier in the season, they used him as a box-to-box midfielder, maximising the youngster’s passing range. 

However, the U21s team struggled to score goals during the winter periods, meaning Elliot was pushed forward on occasions, playing as an inverted left-sided attacker. 

Ironically, as soon as the coaching staff utilised him more in advanced roles his goal contribution tally increased, with December being a prolific month for the teenager. During December, Myles accumulated four goal contributions in four games, with the majority of those numbers coming in the FA Youth Cup tie against Brentford. 

Whether there have been some slight difficulties in securing Elliot's longer-term future with the club remains to be seen. However, the club wants to extend his deal, given Forsyth and Mahovo are on a similar trajectory in their careers too and they already have new deals.